By Deborah Nnamdi
The Rivers State Police Command has announced a temporary restriction on human and vehicular movement across seven local government areas ahead of Saturday’s Rivers South-East Senatorial District bye-election.
The command also warned that anyone found violating the restriction order or engaging in activities capable of disrupting the electoral process, including vote-buying, voter intimidation, thuggery, and other forms of electoral violence, would face legal consequences.
The bye-election, organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is being conducted to fill the vacant senatorial seat following the death of former lawmaker, Senator Barry Mpigi, in February.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Blessing Agabe, said the movement restriction would take effect from midnight on Friday, June 19, and remain in force until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20.
Agabe, quoting the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, said the measure forms part of comprehensive security arrangements aimed at ensuring a peaceful, orderly, free, fair, and credible electoral process.
According to the statement, the restriction will affect residents of Andoni, Tai, Khana, Gokana, Eleme, Oyigbo, and Opobo/Nkoro local government areas, which make up the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
“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 Bye-Election scheduled to hold on Saturday, June 20, 2026,” the statement said.
The police explained that the restriction is intended to enhance public safety, protect electoral officials and materials, prevent electoral malpractices, and provide a secure environment for voters to exercise their civic rights without fear, intimidation,, or harassment.
However, the command clarified that accredited INEC officials, security personnel on election duty, ambulance operators, fire service personnel, and other emergency and essential service providers would be exempted from the restriction to enable them to perform their official responsibilities.
The police further warned that any individual or group found violating the order or engaging in unlawful activities during the election would be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.
Adepoju urged political parties, candidates, supporters and residents of the affected local government areas to remain peaceful, law-abiding and cooperative with security agencies throughout the electoral process.
He also called on voters, community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly and contribute to a peaceful election.
“The success of this election depends on the collective commitment of all citizens to uphold the rule of law and promote a culture of peace,” the commissioner said.
The command assured residents that robust security measures had been put in place in collaboration with other security and relevant agencies to protect lives and property, safeguard electoral materials, and ensure a peaceful and credible poll.
Residents were also advised to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the police through the designated emergency contact lines.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring that every eligible voter is able to exercise his or her constitutional right in a safe and secure environment.
