Police restrict movement in two Kano LGs for by-election

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The Kano State Police Command has announced a restriction of movement in Dawakin Kudu and Warawa Local Government Areas ahead of the House of Representatives bye-election scheduled for Saturday.

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The command said the restriction would be enforced from 12 noon to 5 pm on June 20 as part of measures to ensure a peaceful, orderly and credible electoral process.

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The directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

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According to the statement, only personnel on essential duties, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, accredited election observers and duly identified journalists would be exempted from the restriction.

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The command said adequate security personnel had been deployed to polling units, collation centres, INEC offices and other critical locations across the affected local government areas.

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Bakori said the security measures were part of resolutions reached by members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security ahead of the poll.

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“We have put in place a comprehensive security architecture in collaboration with all relevant agencies to guarantee a peaceful, orderly and credible electoral process,” the commissioner said.

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He urged voters to conduct themselves peacefully and comply with electoral guidelines throughout the exercise.

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The police also warned against campaigning, canvassing for votes or displaying political party insignia within 300 metres of polling units.

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Bakori reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance on electoral violence and malpractice.

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“The command will not tolerate vote-buying, vote-selling, ballot box snatching, voter intimidation or the spread of fake news and misinformation. Anyone found engaging in any electoral offence will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022,” Bakori said.

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The commissioner assured residents that adequate security had been provided for electoral officials, election materials and collation centres before, during and after the election.

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He also urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities or threats to security agencies.

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“We call on residents to cooperate with security personnel and report any breach of the peace. Our objective is to ensure that every eligible voter exercises his or her civic responsibility without fear or intimidation,” he added.

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The command further appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to obey the law and contribute to a peaceful electoral process.

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“The security situation in Kano State remains calm and stable. We urge all stakeholders to maintain the peace for which Kano is known and ensure that the bye-election is conducted in an atmosphere free of violence,” Bakori said.

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