The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) headquarters in Yaba was under strict security surveillance on Saturday as the state commenced its local government elections.
Okay.ng reports that the atmosphere was marked by a robust presence of security personnel tasked with ensuring a peaceful and orderly voting process.
A correspondent stationed at the LASIEC office observed a significant deployment of police officers, alongside operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), all positioned strategically in operational vehicles. Access to the area was tightly controlled, with roadblocks set up on both ends of the street leading to the commission’s offices, limiting vehicular movement and enhancing security.
Similar security protocols were enforced in other parts of Lagos, including Badagry, where the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were actively engaged in maintaining law and order. In the Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), located within the Alimosho region, compliance with movement restrictions was notably high. Streets that are usually bustling with activity, such as Abesan Gate Road and Akowonjo Road, were deserted by 9 a.m., with shops, markets, and motor parks remaining closed.
Local residents expressed approval of the movement restrictions, recognizing their role in facilitating a smooth electoral process. Mrs. Bosede Akinwale, a voter, remarked, “I am happy people are obeying the movement restriction. It shows that we are becoming more conscious of the importance of orderly elections.”
The Lagos State Government had earlier mandated a movement restriction from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to support the conduct of the elections across 20 constitutionally recognized local government areas and 37 local council development areas. The elections are ongoing in all 57 council areas and 376 electoral wards statewide.
