The Kano State commissioner of Police, Aderenle Shinaba on Wednesday warned politicians in the state against violating electoral rules and regulations ahead of the forthcoming local government elections slated for May 17.
Shinaba gave the warning during a meeting with representatives of political parties in the state held at the Police Officers Mess, reminding them that there are stipulated guidelines on the conduct of elections which the politicians must adhere to and play the game according to the rule.
“This meeting is to send a sound of warning to you the politicians that this time around, you must play the game according to the rules. There are stipulated guidelines to every election that the politicians must adhere strictly to. As security agents, we have been putting our selves together with the INEC to make sure we get everything right in order to have an international standard election in Kano. That is the essence of calling the politicians because they are the stakeholders.” he said.
The commissioner also warned the politicians against encouraging youth to engage in political thuggery and banditry, adding that whoever is found wanting will face the wrath of the law.
He further assured the safety of journalists during the election, stating that, “for real, we guarantee journalists safety of their lives during the election because they are on national assignment. We guarantee journalists safety but they must be accredited by the KANSIEC.
“The police will intimate the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) on the timely arrival of the election materials during the forthcoming council elections. We will also escort the election officials in order to provide protection to them,” he stated.
Speaking during the meeting, Alhaji Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, Deputy Chairman (Central) of APC in Kano assured the commissioner of police of their readiness to conduct free and fair elections.