The Rivers State Police Command has announced restrictions on movement across seven local government areas ahead of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District by-election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful, orderly and credible electoral process.
The restriction will affect the seven local government areas that make up the senatorial district which include Andoni, Opobo/Nkoro, Eleme, Tai, Oyigbo, Khana and Gokana, where voters are expected to elect a new representative to fill the vacant Senate seat. The by-election is being conducted following the death of former senator Barinada Mpigi earlier this year.
According to the police, the movement restriction is intended to facilitate the smooth conduct of the election, prevent disruptions and enable security personnel to effectively monitor the exercise. Residents, political parties and other stakeholders have been urged to comply with the directive and cooperate with security agencies throughout the voting period.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed June 20 for the by-election and said voting would take place between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. across 88 registration areas and 1,629 polling units spread across the seven local government areas in the senatorial district.
Security agencies are expected to deploy personnel to strategic locations to safeguard voters, electoral officials and election materials. The police also warned against acts capable of undermining the electoral process, including vote-buying, intimidation, violence and the unauthorized movement of persons during the restricted period.
INEC has repeatedly assured residents of its readiness to conduct a free, fair and credible poll. The commission recently intensified preparations for the election, including the training of electoral personnel and engagement with key stakeholders in the affected communities.
Political parties contesting the by-election have been urged to conduct themselves peacefully and abide by electoral guidelines, while voters have been encouraged to come out and exercise their civic rights without fear.
The Rivers South-East Senatorial District, which comprises four Ogoni local government areas; Gokana, Khana, Tai and Eleme as well as Andoni, Oyigbo and Opobo/Nkoro, is regarded as a politically significant district in the state. The outcome of the by-election is expected to determine who completes the remainder of the late senator’s tenure in the National Assembly.
Authorities have assured residents that adequate security arrangements have been put in place to guarantee a peaceful election and protect lives and property throughout the exercise.
