IMO LG POLL: OHAKIM ORDERS RESTRICTION OF MOVEMENT

Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim, has ordered restriction of movements during Saturday's (tomorrow) local government election in the State.

Ohakim, who gave the directive yesterday in a state wide broadcast to the people of the state, urged the electorate to come out enmasse to cast their votes, assuring them of adequate security.

According to him, movements from one electoral ward or local government to another have been restricted except for validly accredited journalists, election observers, officials of the State Independent Electoral Commission and security agencies.

The governor also announced the restriction of movements of unauthorized policemen, military personnel and other men in uniforms coming into the state irrespective of their ranks.

Meanwhile, the governor advised the people to disregard false text messages and publications alleging that the election would not hold, stressing that there was no court injunction against the election.

'For the avoidance of doubt, there is no subsisting court injection or ruling stopping the election. I repeat, there is no subsisting court injunction or ruling stopping the election.'

He, therefore, warned that anybody involved in any clandestine act to disrupt the election would meet a brick wall and dealt with according to the law no matter how highly placed in the society.

He said, 'Those who use text messages or rumour to misinform the public will be traced immediately and prosecuted. Anybody caught with illegal arms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons will be treated as an armed robber and kidnapper. Youths, especially students, are advised to avoid being used by disgruntled politicians to causes violence during the election.'

'Adequate security has been provided tomorrow to ensure that you can vote safely and your votes will count. Government is therefore, prepared and determined to forestall and deal with any attempt to scuttle the election tomorrow.'

He further advised the leadership of political parties contesting for the election to ensure that their candidates acted according to the law and obeyed rules of the game, urging the winners and losers to exhibit exemplary sportsmanship.