The Rivers State Police Command has declared an 18-hour curfew across the state ahead of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, August 30.
The curfew, which will run from 12 midnight to 6 p.m. on election day, is aimed at safeguarding voters and preventing any disruption of the electoral process.
Speaking during a joint security briefing at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) headquarters in Port Harcourt, Commissioner of Police, Olubenga Adepoju, said security operatives had conducted surveillance across identified flashpoints to forestall criminal activities.
“To ensure watertight security, accreditation passes for essential workers and the media will only be released close to election day to prevent falsification. Even if forged, operatives will be able to easily identify fake IDs,” Adepoju said.
He added that election observers and journalists would also be issued with special stickers to facilitate access to polling units.
“In the early hours of August 30, from 12 midnight until 6 p.m., there will be a curfew, as has been the practice on election days, to safeguard lives and property,” the police boss emphasized.
RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Michael Odey, on his part, assured Rivers residents of the commission’s readiness to deliver free, fair, and credible polls.
He disclosed that ad hoc staff had been fully trained to ensure due process, while measures were put in place to address possible weather challenges, including the provision of raincoats and umbrellas for election workers.
Odey further noted that non-sensitive materials were already being deployed to local government areas under heavy security escort.
He appealed to voters, electoral officials, and security agencies to work together to ensure a smooth and peaceful election.
