THERE is growing tension In Kano as the State Police Command has stated that it would follow court order disallowing it from participating in the upcoming Local Government election scheduled for Saturday, 26, October 2024.
In a video message made available to News Point Nigeria by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police, Abdullahi Haruna, on Friday, the police said it would, however, ensure the protection of lives in the state.
“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.
Haruna said the state police commissioner, Salman Garba had called a meeting with Heads of Departments, Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers with a view to re-strategising efforts on fulfilling the Nigeria Police Force constitutional mandate of protection of lives and property, as well as maintaining law and order in Kano state.
“During the meeting, the Commissioner of Police stressed the importance of proactive measures to prevent and respond to security threats. He directed the command’s operational commanders to enhance Patrols, increase visibility and presence in high-risk areas as well as intensify intelligence gathering.
“These steps are crucial to maintaining law and order, preventing criminal activities, and ensuring the safety of all the inhabitants in the State,” he added.
Meanwhile, a State High Court granted the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) the authority to proceed with the local government elections scheduled for tomorrow, nullifying all attempts by political parties to stop the exercise.
Justice Sanusi Ma’aji, presiding over the case, ruled that KANSIEC is empowered by the Constitution to conduct, supervise, and oversee local government elections across the 44 local government areas (LGAs) in Kano State. The case was brought by KANSIEC against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 13 other political parties.
In his ruling, Justice Ma’aji emphasised that any effort to obstruct the process would be deemed null and void.
“KANSIEC, under the provisions of the Constitution, is mandated to hold elections in the state. Any attempt to truncate this process is a nullity,” he said.
The judge also called on security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property during the election.
“It is crucial that security agencies urgently provide the necessary protection to safeguard lives and properties during the conduct of the elections tomorrow,” he ordered.
This ruling comes after a Federal High Court in Kano, presided over by Justice Simon Amobeda, on Tuesday halted the council elections, citing the alleged illegal constitution of KANSIEC. However, the state high court’s ruling has now cleared the way for the polls to proceed as planned.
On its part, State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to proceed with the local government elections scheduled for tomorrow.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, the Chairman of KANSIEC, Sani Malumfashi, assured that all arrangements for the elections were in place and that there would be no postponement despite earlier legal challenges.
“We are fully prepared, and there is no going back. The court with jurisdiction over local government issues has made its judgment and ruled that we should go ahead with the election. The police have also been directed to provide the necessary security for the exercise,” Malumfashi stated.
Malumfashi also took a swipe at the political party challenging the elections, noting that they were not even participating in the process.
“The party that is championing the challenge against the local government election is not even taking part. They have refused to recognize the commission and have failed to engage in any part of the election process,” he added.
According to the chairman, six political parties will be participating in the election, including the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Action Alliance (AA), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), African Action Congress (AAC), and Action Congress (AC).