Polls: FG Closes Land Borders Today

The Minister of Interior, Lt-Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd), has directed the closure of all Nigerian land borders, with effect from today, till Sunday, February 17; for tomorrow’s presidential and National Assembly elections.

A statement issued by the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, in Abuja, yesterday said there would be restriction of movement across Nigerian borders during the election on the days announced.

“The public is to take note and ensure compliance,’’ he added.

Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has expressed satisfaction with the signing of a Peace Accord by presidential candidates, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Head of EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS and EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ketil Karlsen, said this in a tweet at the organisation’s Twitter account: @EUinNigeria monitored in Abuja, yesterday.

“To the presidential candidates, I wish to stress that your pledge for peace is vital. Words count and people will listen to what you say.

“So, by making your word count for the good, what you have said is that Nigerian is greater than any of us.

“As true leaders, accepting the will of the people can never be a defeat. Our hope is that this message of peace will resonate in all four corners of Nigeria, while clearly expressing to all Nigerians that they can come out and vote peacefully on Saturday.

“EU is proud to be part of the process leading to the signing of the Peace Accord by presidential candidates going into Saturday’s election. We don’t support a particular party or candidate; instead, we support the democratic process,” Karlsen said.