Tinubu’s A’Ibom visit: Police ban drones, fireworks

File: President Bola Tinubu

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced a total restriction on drone operations, a ban on fireworks and temporary traffic restrictions in Uyo, the state capital, ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit today (Friday).

The President will depart Abuja for a two-day visit to Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, where he is scheduled to inaugurate major infrastructure projects and attend All Progressives Congress campaign rallies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The trip, announced in a statement signed Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, will take the President first to Uyo, before he proceeds to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, tomorrow, for the APC campaign rally.

In Uyo, Tinubu is expected to inaugurate a cluster of projects delivered under Governor Umo Eno’s administration, including the new International Terminal Building at the Victor Attah International Airport, an International Airport Hospital and the Ibom Aviation Village, also located within the airport complex.

“President Tinubu will also commission the Airport-Okopedi Road in Nsit Atai and Okobo Local Government Areas and Ring Road 3, linking Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road through Uyo and Ibiono Ibom,” the statement read.

The AKWA-GIS Office Complex, a Command and Control Centre and the ARISE Palm Resort are also on the list.

Eno, who is hosting the President, has declared today a work-free day in the state to enable residents to participate in the reception.

Speaking on the visit, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, while addressing journalists at the Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan, Uyo, said the measures were aimed at ensuring adequate security, maintaining public order, facilitating the smooth movement of the presidential convoy and providing a safe environment for the President’s engagements.

He said the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, had put in place robust security arrangements to guarantee a peaceful, orderly and hitch-free visit.

• Yayi announces road, hospital construction for Ogun communities
• FG vows National Library project completion in 24 months
• Zamfara elders hail APC chair over peaceful primary

As part of the security measures, Azare announced a total restriction on the operation and flying of drones within Uyo metropolis throughout the period of the visit, stressing that the restriction was a proactive measure to safeguard restricted airspace, protect critical locations and prevent any potential security breach.

“There will be total restriction on the operation and flying of drones within Uyo metropolis throughout the period of the visit. Members of the public, drone operators and service providers were advised to strictly comply with the directive,” he said.

The commissioner also announced a ban on the use of fireworks, knockouts and other explosive sound-producing devices within the state capital during the visit.

He said the measure was intended to prevent panic, eliminate avoidable security distractions and ensure security personnel could respond effectively to any genuine security concern.

To ensure seamless movement of the presidential convoy, the command announced temporary restrictions on Airport Road, Shelter Afrique Junction, Oron Road, Nung Oku Junction, Mbierebe Junction and Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

“Motorists are urged to plan their journeys, exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and security personnel deployed along the corridors.

“Members of the public are advised to avoid the routes during the restriction and use alternative routes,” CP Azare warned.

He appealed to residents to understand that the temporary restrictions were necessary security arrangements and not intended to inflict hardship.

He assured that the command was working with other security agencies and stakeholders to ensure coordination, intelligence sharing, traffic management and adequate deployment across strategic locations.