FCT Election: Curfew limits freedom of residents democratically – Senate Ireti Kingibe

The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Ireti Kingibe, has faulted the curfew imposed on residents by the Minister Nyesom Wike ahead of Saturday’s area council election in the capital city.

Kingibe maintained that the curfew unnecessarily limits the freedom of residents of the FCT in a democratic society.

In an interview with Arise Television on Friday, the lawmaker said sensitive materials for Saturday’s election are already on ground.

He said: “From my observation I think everything is ready, both security and logistics.

“We the members of the different area councils followed the materials yesterday, so we know that the materials have arrived and everything seems to be on track.

“People do not understand the reason for this restriction. Many residents have various activities and responsibilities in the evening, and such a curfew unnecessarily limits their freedom in a democratic society.

“There have been no reported security breaches to justify this action, and it feels like an unwarranted infringement on the rights of citizens.”

Wike had ordered the restriction of movement from 8 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Saturday.

The Minister also declared Friday a work free day to allow residents to prepare for the area council election.

FCT Election: Curfew limits freedom of residents democratically – Senate Ireti Kingibe