The Rivers State Police Command has announced an 18-hour curfew ahead of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, August 30.

The curfew, which takes effect from 12 midnight to 6 p.m. on election day, is aimed at ensuring the safety of voters and preventing any breakdown of law and order.

Speaking at a joint security briefing held at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) headquarters in Port Harcourt, Commissioner of Police, CP Olubenga Adepoju, said the command had carried out security sweeps across identified hotspots to forestall any attempt by criminal elements to disrupt the polls.
“To ensure watertight security, accreditation passes for essential workers and the media will be released very close to election day to prevent falsification. Even if forged, security operatives will be able to easily identify fake IDs,” Adepoju said.

He explained that election observers and journalists would be provided with special stickers to allow free movement and access to polling activities.
“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 stated.

Also speaking, RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Michael Odey, assured Rivers residents of the commission’s preparedness to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections.

He disclosed that the commission had trained ad hoc staff to ensure due process was strictly followed during the exercise. To address possible weather challenges, he added that raincoats and umbrellas had been procured for election workers.
“Non-sensitive materials are already being transported under heavy security to the various local government areas in preparation for the elections,” Odey said.
He urged residents to cooperate with electoral officials and security agencies to ensure a smooth and peaceful process.