2023 election: DSS reads riot act to political thuggery in Kano

The Director, the Department of Security Service (DSS), Kano office, Alhassan Mohammad has declared that it would no longer be business as usual for political thuggery threatening a peaceful atmosphere in the state a few months to the general election.

Mohammed said no singular act capable of fomenting crisis would be tolerated henceforth.

Mohammad gave the warning on Thursday at the Election Stakeholders Forum, organised by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Kano.

“I call on politicians to caution their supporters against an act of destroying campaign materials in the metropolis. This is the present trend in Kano and if that does not stop immediately it would lead to a dangerous result.

“But before that happens, we are deploying our men out to go after anyone cought in the act. Now, it is time to caution them because I will not listen to any begging for release of anyone arrested. Culprits would be arrested and charge to court no matter who is involved. Enough is enough”, Mohammad warned.

Kano state Commissioner of Police, Mohammad Dauda, who equally restated their commitment to ensuring a peaceful atmosphere before and during the election, reminded police would remain neutral and non-partisan during the electioneering.

On his part, Kano Resident Electoral Commissioner REC, Ambassador Zango Abdu declared 5,927,565 persons were captured in the preliminary voter register in Kano.

He explained that the record is still preliminary because section 19(1)(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 requires the commission to display the hard copies of the register for scrutiny 90 days before the election.

Abdul said INEC will track the campaign finance of all political parties as provided by sections of the electoral Act. He cautioned the key actors to maintain peaceful atmosphere devoid of violence.

“I swore under oath to ensure free, fair and credible election in Kano and i promised to work under that oath. I own Kano a duty to carry out credible and transparent exercise and that I will not renege. I would also work with the security agencies as team player and servant leader for effective and efficient management of the poll in Kano.”