Comptroller Absullahi Adamu of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Seme Border Command, has said the service did not receive any directives to close the border for the Lagos State local government election.
Adamu told NAN in Seme on Saturday, that the border is an international one, under exclusive list. According to Adamu, we have not received any letter from Lagos State Government or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the election.
“Closing of an international border should come from higher authority. There is no information regarding restriction of movement till 3.00.p.m, so our status quo remains,” he said.
According to him, the border cannot be closed against people coming into the country but we can only advise them to wait till 3.00.p.m after stamping them in before leaving the border.
Adamu said that foreigners coming into the country through the border would be urged to hang somewhere, after stamping their passports till 3.00.p.m before leaving the border.
He, however, said the command would act accordingly if they received order to restrict movement.
LG polls: Police restrict vehicular passage on Lekki Toll Gate
Meanwhile, vehicular passage at the Admiralty-Lekki Toll Gate was strictly prohibited for the election due to police presence.
This is because of the elections being held across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State.
Police officers were stationed at the gate enforcing the restriction and turning back vehicles.
Only essential personnel, such as INEC officials, electoral observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, and security operatives on election duty were allowed to pass through.
However, some residents in the area seized the opportunity to take to the streets to unwind.
With the absence of cars, streets became impromptu spaces for exercise and community bonding.
Joggers and cyclists took advantage of the car-free roads to enjoy a safer and more scenic route.
One of them, who preferred anonymity, expressed joy for being able to exercise without disturbance on the road.
He said, “I am also enjoying the police presence. It makes my exercise security free.
“Although, I did not vote because I didn’t know who to vote for. However, I hope the voting process is free and without any violence.”