The government of Borno State has suspended the restriction in movement in Maiduguri, on Friday, April 10, 2015 and Saturday, April 11, 2015.
The restriction became paramount so as to ensure better mobility of eligible voters who would want to exercise their franchise during the governorship and House of Assembly polls.
The decision was communicated via a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Ambassador Baba Jidda, on Friday, April 10, 2014.
According to Punch, he said the curfew had to be lifted due to reports of traffic congestion in certain parts of the state capital as people rushed to beat the curfew.
He said, “The government reached this decision after reviewing reports about traffic congestion in many parts of Maiduguri and Jere as a result of determined efforts by citizens to finalise routines ahead of Saturday’s governorship and state Assembly elections.
“Lifting the curfew is aimed at making sure that citizens are not subjected to any form of harassment, which may arise where traffic delays prevent them from returning to destinations on time.
“The government commends all citizens for their enthusiasm and urge them to freely vote any candidate of their choice in any of the registered political parties in line with their fundamental rights.”
Jidda urged residents to maintain peace through the duration of the elections despite the fact that the curfew has been lifted, adding that they should ensure to report any suspicious persons or movements to security agents.
Meanwhile, he further explained that the curfew takes effect from the night of Sunday, April 12, 2015.
