Vigilante, Transport Agency Provide Security With Sticks, Local Swords As Police Shun Kano LG Election [PHOTOS]

informantonline.com.ng

October 26, 2024

Electoral officials have begun arriving at polling units for today’s local government elections across Kano State.

This follows a ruling by the Kano State High Court, which granted the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) the authority to proceed with the elections, dismissing attempts by political parties to halt the process.

Justice Sanusi Ma’aji, who presided over the case, affirmed that KANSIEC is constitutionally empowered to conduct, supervise, and oversee local government elections in all 44 local government areas of Kano State.

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The case was brought forth by KANSIEC against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 13 other political parties.

Voting materials have started to arrive at various polling units, and local vigilante groups, along with officials from the Kano Road Transport Agency (Karota), are providing security at these locations.

This follows an announcement from the Kano State Police Command stating it would comply with a court order prohibiting its involvement in the elections.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Abdullahi Haruna, made this statement in a video message on Friday.

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“We will comply with the court order restricting us from participation in the coming Kano State Local Government Election. However, we will remain steadfast in fulfilling our constitutional mandate of protection of lives and properties.

“Following the court order restricting the police and the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, the police vows to abide by the court order by not taking part in the forthcoming local government elections.

“You are very much aware of the court order which was received by the Police Command here in Kano. Item nine of the order provides that the Police should not participate in the forthcoming local government election in the state.

“So, the Police in Kano are not participating in the election. However, it’s our responsibility to ensure no breakdown of law and order in the state and we’re always alive to our responsibilities,” Haruna said.

Police officers are currently absent from the polling units.

However, some local security personnel were observed holding sticks and makeshift swords, standing behind the residents as they prepared to cast their votes.

See photos below: