Ondo Bye-Election: Residents Defy Movement Restriction Order

The Ondo State Police Command’s directive restricting movement across the Ondo South Senatorial District for Saturday’s by-election was largely ignored, as residents freely moved about and commercial activities continued without disruption. ‎ ‎The restriction, which was to run from 0600hrs to 1800hrs, was announced as part of security measures to ensure peaceful, orderly and credible […]

The Ondo State Police Command’s directive restricting movement across the Ondo South Senatorial District for Saturday’s by-election was largely ignored, as residents freely moved about and commercial activities continued without disruption.
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‎The restriction, which was to run from 0600hrs to 1800hrs, was announced as part of security measures to ensure peaceful, orderly and credible electoral process.
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‎The police had also assured that adequate personnel were deployed across polling units, collation centres and strategic locations within the district.
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‎However, despite the directive, major roads across towns in the senatorial district witnessed normal traffic flow, business movement, with private vehicles, commercial motorcycles and buses operating freely.

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There was little indication of any form of movement restriction in many communities.

Markets and shops also remained open for business, as traders displayed goods and customers went about their usual economic activities.
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‎In several areas, residents were seen moving about without restriction, while transport operators continued to pick up passengers along major routes.
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‎The state Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, had earlier assured residents of tight security deployment and urged political actors and their supporters to comply with electoral laws, while warning against violence, vote buying and other acts capable of disrupting the process.
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‎The command also stated that it had intensified intelligence gathering, visibility policing and coordinated operations with other security agencies to ensure a secure environment before, during and after the election.
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‎“Anyone found violating electoral laws or engaging in activities likely to cause a breach of peace will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law”, he said.
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‎Despite the assurances, the movement and continuation of normal activities across the district suggested that enforcement of the restriction order was largely ineffective.