Kano State Government on Friday announced a movement restriction across the state ahead of Saturday Local Government elections.
The restriction, effective from midnight to 6 p.m. on election day aims to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the polls.
The state Commissioner for Information, Baba Dantiye, said in a statement that the precautionary was expected to measure guaranteed the safety of lives and property during the elections.
“Only essential services personnel, including election officials, security personnel, and accredited journalists, are exempt from the restriction.
“The government urges the public to comply with the directive and cooperate with security agencies.
” Residents are encouraged to exercise their civic rights peacefully and avoid disrupting the election.
” Security agencies are on high alert across the 44 local government areas, with checkpoints established to monitor compliance,” he said.
Prof Lawal Malumfashi, Chairman of Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) assured citizens of the commission’s readiness to conduct a credible election, urging voters to come out and cast their votes.
Malumfashi named the political parties participating in the council election as Action Alliance, and Zenith Labour Party, New Nigeria People’s Party, among others.
“We are fully prepared to conduct free, fair and credible elections across the 44 Local Government Areas in the state”, he said.
He said that the government’s decision to impose movement restrictions was a necessary step to prevent violence and ensure voter safety.
This is even as the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has appealed to eligible voters in the state to come out and elect candidates of their choice in Saturday’s Local Government election.
Sanusi spoke at his palace while addressing newsmen on Friday. The Emir emphasised the importance of shunning violence and any attempts to disrupt the elections.
He urged the residents to maintain peace and avoid violence before during and after the elections.
Sanusi appealed to parents to prevent their children from being used as agents of destruction and advised residents to disregard miscreants recruited to cause trouble.
He encouraged cooperation with the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission to ensure a smooth electoral processes. (NAN)
