2023 Elections: Gombe CP Reiterates Ban On State-Owned Security Outfit, Others

Ahead of the forthcoming Saturday governorship and state assembly elections, the Gombe State Commissioner of Police, CP Oqua Etim, has reiterated the ban on state-owned security outfit amongst others.

Others affected by the ban include escort and security aides to VIPs.

The commissioner said those found violating the order would be sanctioned. 

"State-established and owned security outfits/quasi-security units, and privately-owned security guards are also barred from participating in the forthcoming gubernatorial election security."

The commissioner also ordered for the restriction of vehicular movement and other forms of transportation during the conduct of the election.

Those exempted from the restriction include those on essential services such as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Electoral Observers, Accredited Media, local and international Observers, Ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters among others.

This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by ASP Mahid Mu'azu Abubakar, spokesperson for the Gombe State Police Command.

"The Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command CP OQUA ETIM has ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement and other means of transportation within the State, from 12 midnight of 18/3/2023 to 6 pm of the same day."

According to Abubakar, the CP appreciated the people of Gombe for their cooperation during the presidential and national assembly elections.

He further urged them to remain peaceful and comply with the order in the forthcoming Saturday election. 

"Finally, the CP admonished all eligible electorates to turn out en mass and exercise their civic responsibility as the Command assures them of adequate security coverage and equally enjoins the good people of the State to desist from spreading fake, unverified, and misleading information capable of disrupting the peace in the State," Abubakar added.