OFFICIALS of local vigilante groups were seen holding sticks and locally forged swords as they provided security for the residents in the ongoing local government elections in Kano State on Saturday.
As of the time of filing this report, police officers were nowhere in sight at the polling units.
However, our correspondent on ground noted that some members of the local security officials were, however, seen clutching sticks and locally forged swords, while standing behind the residents as they get set to cast their votes.
As of the time of filing this report, electoral officials have started arriving at polling units for the elections
This was after the Kano State High Court granted the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) the authority to proceed with the local government elections, nullifying all attempts by political parties to stop the exercise.
Justice Sanusi Ma’aji who presided 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.
Our correspondents monitoring the elections reported that voting materials have already started arriving at different polling units.
Local vigilante groups and officials of Kano Road Transport Agency, Karota are also said to be providing security at the polling units.
This was after the Kano State Police Command said it would comply with a court order, restricting it from taking part in the election.
This was revealed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police, Abdullahi Haruna, on Friday in a video message made available to Channels Television.
“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.
