Election: Borno Lifts Curfew In Maiduguri For Two Days

BEVERLY HILLS, April 10, (THEWILL) – Ahead of Saturday's governorship and state Assembly elections in Borno State, the state Government has lifted the curfew imposed on Maiduguri, the state capital, for two nights – Friday and Saturday.

This, according to the government, is to allow for mobility of voters, especially internally displaced persons who may have to move to different parts of the State capital to exercise their civic rights.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, while disclosing the relaxation of the curfew, said: “The Government reached this decision after reviewing reports about traffic congestion in many parts of Maiduguri and Jere as a result of determined efforts by citizens to finalise routines ahead of Saturday's Governorship and State Assembly elections.”

According to Jidda, “Lifting the curfew is aimed at making sure that citizens are not subjected to any form of harassment which may arise where traffic delays prevent them from returning to destinations on time.

“The Government commends all citizens for their enthusiasm and urge them to freely vote any candidate of their choice in any of registered political parties in line with their fundamental rights.”

While calling on residents of the state to go about their activities in obedience to the laws during the two-day period and report suspicious persons or movements to the security agencies, Jidda maintained that residents of the state have a duty to help security agencies in the maintenance of public peace.

According to him, the curfew has always been a painful decision of Government, and will resume on Sunday night.

He however said that the Government would continue to monitor security updates and will, in consultation with security agencies, take appropriate measures to protect the lives and property of the residents of the state.