AKSG Holds Council Elections on Saturday, Orders Closure of all points of entry

Akwa Ibom state government has directed that all borders adjourning the state be closed on Saturday, October 31st from 7 am till 2pm in the afternoon of the same day.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Secretary to the state government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday.

” That all inter-state border entry points, leading into Akwa Ibom State, be closed from 7am to 2pm on Saturday, 31st October, 2020. That human and vehicular movements be restricted from 7am to 2pm on Saturday 31st October, 2020. Eligible voters are therefore enjoined to stay within the premises of their polling units during the period of the elections.’’

According to the SSG, the reason was as a result of the planned local government elections slated for the last weekend in November.

The restrictions he further said, was to add credence to a good conduct of the elections, urging eligible voters to ensure that, they stay within the area that would enable them cast their votes peacefully.

He reminded the people of the state that the 8pm to 7am curfew was still in force and that the restriction would not affect those on special duties.

Furthermore, the statement asked civil servants in the state to close early on Friday so as to enable them travel home to participate in the voting exercise, advising all to ensure compliance with COVID19 protocols in the course of exercising their franchise.

“In compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended), the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) will conduct elections on 31st October, 2020 as earlier announced.

“That those on essential duties, viz: medical personnel, electoral officials and election  observers, accredited pressmen be exempted from the movement restrictions, in order to enable active participation of  civil servants in the election, work will close at 2pm on Friday 30 October, 2020.

” The subsisting state-wide daily curfew of 8pm to 7am is still in force till further notice, all citizens and residents are advised to continue to be law-abiding in the maintenance of peace in Akwa Ibom State.

“All voters, while queuing to exercise their franchise, should comply with the AKSG/NCDC/WHO approved COVID-19 Guidelines and Protocols”, the statement added.