Federal Capital Territory lawmaker Ireti faults movement restriction ahead of Area Council elections, calls action “authoritarian and unacceptable.
The Senator Ireti representing the FCT has strongly condemned the decision by the FCT Minister, , to impose a movement restriction across Abuja ahead of the Area Council elections.
According to reports by , the Minister declared a work-free day and announced a curfew spanning from Friday evening to Saturday evening, citing security concerns and the need to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Reacting to the development, Senator Kingibe described the action as unilateral, ill-considered, and inconsistent with democratic principles. She argued that such sweeping restrictions on residents’ movement should involve proper consultation with relevant stakeholders and security agencies, rather than being imposed through executive fiat.
The lawmaker emphasized that Abuja residents, especially small business owners, artisans, and daily wage earners, would suffer significant economic setbacks as a result of the curfew. She noted that the FCT is not facing any extraordinary security threat that would justify a prolonged restriction of movement.
Kingibe further urged the Minister to immediately suspend the directive and engage in dialogue to avoid unnecessary hardship for residents. She maintained that while election security is important, measures adopted must be balanced, lawful, and respectful of citizens’ rights.
The development has sparked debate across Abuja, with civil society groups and political observers weighing in on the legality and necessity of the curfew ahead of the polls to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
As the FCT Area Council elections approach, all eyes remain on the Minister’s office to see whether the movement restriction will be reviewed or maintained amid growing public criticism.
