2nd February, 2024
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
Kano state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Usaini Gumel has warned against thuggery, electoral violence and malpractice during Saturday’s rerun elections in six Local Government Areas of the state.
Our Correspondent reports that there will be state House of Assembly rerun elections in three Constituencies running across six Local Government Areas which include Tsanyawa, Kunchi, Kura, Garun Mallam, Tofa and Rimin Gado.
The elections will take place in 66 polling units across the six Local Government Areas.
Police have restricted movements in the Local Government Areas where the rerun election will take place.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Thursday night, CP Gumel urged residents to maintain peace and order so as to ensure free, fair and hitch-free exercise.
He said security agencies are ready to deal with any person or group of persons who foment trouble during the rerun elections.
The Statement reads: “The Kano State Police Command is hereby informing members of the public, especially Kano State residents that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be conducting re-run election at three Kano State House of Assembly Constituencies on Saturday, 3rd February 2024 cutting across 66 polling units in six Local Government Areas which include: Tsanyawa, Kunchi, Kura, Garun Mallam, Tofa and Rimin Gado.
“While the Police Command is determined to provide the needed security platform in conjunction with the relevant security agencies who are members of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Elections Security (ICCES) in the State vested with the responsibility to secure the election and ensure peaceful re-run in the locations indicated in the six Local Government Areas in Kano State, prospectus voters and the elections officials are enjoined to note the following security guidelines:
“There will be restrictions of movement in the six Local Government Areas where the re-run elections will be held, except essential services such as Ambulances, Medical Emergencies, Fire Services and similar emergencies.
“Members of the public are to note that only those accredited by INEC to conduct elections in those locations including members of the press will be allowed access.
“Policemen are banned from escorting VIPs/political office holders to all locations where elections are taking place.
“All forms of thuggery and importation of thugs by any political interest groups will not be tolerated as adequate security personnel have been deployed to arrest anyone who attempts to override the security provision, cause breach of the peace or breakdown of the law.
“Troublemakers are warned to stay clear of the re-run election venues. Carrying all sorts of weapons during the rerun election will not be tolerated. Only eligible voters screened by INEC will be allowed to vote.
“Only people with voter cards indicating the said particular polling unit where the rerun election is scheduled to be held will be allowed to vote.
“Nobody will be allowed within the voting premises, except those accredited by INEC including Party Agents. There will be rigorous stop and search and patrols in all the LGAs where the rerun elections will be held.
“In line with the provision of the Electoral guidelines, all Quasi Security Outfits like Hisbah, KAROTA, Vigilante, Hunters, Man O War, Boys Scouts etc will not participate in the re-run election.
“The Kano State Police Command wishes the good people of Kano State a peaceful rerun election.
“In case of emergencies, Kano State Police Command can be contacted via; *08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926,* or the *”NPF Rescue Me”* available in the Play Store or through the following Social Media Platforms: Facebook: Kano State Police Command; Twitter: Kano State Police Command; Instagram: Kano State Police Command; Tiktok: Kano State Police Command.”