By Emeka Amaefula
RIVERS SOUTH-EAST SENATORIAL BY-ELECTION: POLICE IMPOSE MOVEMENT RESTRICTION IN SIX LGAs AS FOUR CANDIDATES BATTLE FOR SENATE SEAT
The Rivers State Police Command has announced a temporary restriction on movement in parts of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District ahead of the senatorial by-election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
The election became necessary following the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, who until his demise represented the Rivers South-East Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
The bye-election will feature candidates from major political parties, including Douglas Fabeeke of the Action Alliance (AA), Osarosaka Ebenezer Erewari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sam Kinanee Barikpoa of the Labour Party (LP), and Senator Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement issued by Police Public Relation Officer, the Rivers State Police Command notified residents of Andoni, Tai, Khana, Gokana, Eleme, and Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Areas of the movement restriction, which is part of security measures designed to ensure a peaceful, orderly, free, fair, and credible electoral process.
According to the Command, the restriction on the movement of persons, vehicles, and motorcycles will take effect from 12:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, and remain in force until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
The Police said the measure is aimed at enhancing public safety, protecting electoral officials and materials, preventing electoral malpractice, and creating a secure environment for eligible voters to exercise their civic rights without intimidation or harassment.
The restriction, however, will not affect accredited officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security personnel on election duty, ambulance and emergency service providers, fire service personnel, and other duly authorised essential service providers.
The Command warned that any individual or group found violating the restriction order, engaging in activities capable of disrupting the electoral process, participating in vote-buying, voter intimidation, thuggery, violence, or other unlawful acts would face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, appealed to all political parties, candidates, supporters, community leaders, youth groups, and residents of the affected Local Government Areas to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies throughout the election. “Together, let us uphold peace, respect the law, and make the Rivers South-East Senatorial District By-Election a model of democratic excellence”,he said.
CP Adepoju assured residents that comprehensive security arrangements had been put in place in collaboration with other relevant security agencies to protect lives and property, safeguard electoral materials, and ensure a peaceful and credible election.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
Emergency Contacts:
Complaint Response Unit (CRU):07057605209,
07057605256,08120822987,
07072323049 and Control Room:08032003514.
The Rivers State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring that every eligible voter participates in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District By-Election in a safe and secure environment.
Emeka Amaefula
+234(0)8111813069
