By-election: Police announce movement restriction in seven Rivers LGs

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Ahead of Saturday’s bye-election in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, the Rivers State Police Command has announced the restriction of human and vehicular movement in seven local government areas of the state.

The police also warned that anyone found violating the restriction order, engaging in acts capable of disrupting the electoral process, or participating in any form of violence, including vote-buying, voter intimidation, thuggery and related unlawful acts, will be dealt with in line with the law.

The election, to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, is to fill the vacant seat following the death of the former representative, Senator Barry Mpigi, who passed away in February.

In a statement issued on Friday morning, the Command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said the restriction of movement will be in force from midnight on Friday, June 19, to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, the election day.

Quoting the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, Agabe said the restriction across the seven LGAs in the senatorial district forms part of security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, orderly, free, fair and credible election.

The statement read in part: “The Rivers State Police Command hereby notifies members of the public, particularly residents of Andoni, Tai, Khana, Gokana, Eleme, Oyigbo and Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Areas, of a temporary restriction on movement ahead of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District By-Election scheduled to hold on Saturday, 20th June 2026.

“As part of comprehensive security measures put in place to guarantee a peaceful, orderly, free, fair, and credible electoral process, the movement of persons, vehicles, and motorcycles within the affected Local Government Areas will be restricted from 12:00 a.m. on Friday, 19th June 2026, until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, 20th June 2026.”

It added that the restriction is aimed at enhancing public safety, protecting electoral officials and materials, preventing electoral malpractices, and ensuring a secure environment for eligible voters to exercise their civic responsibility without fear, intimidation or harassment.

Agabe noted that the restriction does not apply to accredited officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, security personnel on election duty, ambulance and other emergency service providers, including fire service personnel and other essential service providers.

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She added that these categories of persons are duly authorised to carry out official duties during the election.

“The Command warns that any individual or group found violating the restriction order, engaging in acts capable of disrupting the electoral process or participating in any form of electoral violence, vote-buying, voter intimidation, thuggery or any other unlawful activity will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.

“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga Adepoju, calls on all political parties, candidates, supporters, and residents of the affected Local Government Areas to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies to ensure a successful electoral exercise.

“CP Adepoju emphasised that all eligible voters, political stakeholders, community leaders, youth groups and residents of the affected Local Government Areas are to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the electoral process,” the statement added.

The police spokesperson noted that the success of the election depends on the collective commitment of all citizens to uphold the rule of law and promote a culture of peace.

The statement further added: “The Command wishes to reassure the public that robust security arrangements have been put in place, in collaboration with other security and relevant agencies, to ensure the protection of lives and property, safeguard electoral materials, and guarantee a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.”

Agabe also advised residents of the state to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the police through dedicated lines in the public domain.

“The Rivers State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring that every eligible voter exercises his or her constitutional right in a safe and secure environment. Together, let us uphold peace, respect the law, and make the Rivers South-East Senatorial District By-Election a model of democratic excellence,” it added.

Dennis Naku is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with approximately 19 years of professional experience. He has previously worked with Champion Newspapers and National Mirror Newspaper, reporting across multiple beats. His work reflects extensive newsroom experience and a commitment to professional journalism practice.

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