The United States Embassy in Nigeria has just issued an advisory to its citizens in Nigeria, warning them of possible election violence ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
In a notice posted on its website, titled ‘Possible Protests Leading to Elections and Restricted Movements on Election Days – February 25 and March 11’ the embassy cautioned its citizens to avoid political rallies as there was a possibility that it could turn violent with little to no notice.
The notice had also warned citizens to make allowances for food and water supply for at least three days of stay at home, in case movements were restricted post-election.
As for on the day of the election, the notice had read:
“The Federal Government of Nigeria will restrict the movement of all personal vehicles on election days across the country. Information from the Government of Nigeria shows that only law enforcement personnel and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC-accredited election observers will be permitted to move freely along the roads.”
“Therefore, based on past election practice, we anticipate that personal vehicles will be barred from any road movement from 00:00 until 18:00 on February 25 and from 00:00 until 18:00 on March 11.”
