Electoral violators will be dealt with ruthlessly, DIG warns

Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Hafis Mohammad Inuwa said security operatives would not hesitate to deal ruthlessly with any political element bent to disrupt Kano State gubernatorial election.

The police warning came when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kano began the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials to the 44 local government areas of the state.

Addressing journalists in Kano, the DIG in-charge of North West declared the police and other sister security agencies are prepared to ensure a level playing ground for a credible and violence-free poll.

DIG explained that the Inspector General of Police Alkali Baba has approved the deployment of men and armory to maintain rancour-free election. He however warned the religious leaders to avoid using their pulpits to cause divisibility among followers.

On the frequent redeployment of Commissioner of Police to Kano, the DIG insisted no undertone should be read to the posting and reminded residents that posting and reposting of CP is routine activities under the instruction of IGP. He added that the replacement was to further assert that the police is apolitical.

“My coming to Kano this time is to talk to officers and men of the forces to remain focus, determined and resolute in carrying out their professional job. And to also remind any unscrupulous elements who may want to test our capacity by away of disrupting the election that we are ready to deal ruthlessly with anybody in that category,” Inuwa said.

“Those trying to foment trouble should know that we are under clear mandate to deal with anybody who is coming out to disrupt the peaceful conduct. Everyone should note that politics is a game where winners and losers will emerge. Our believe is that everyone want peace of Kano so we encourage the winner to be magnanimous in victory and losers to accept defeat without violence.”

Meanwhile, INEC received delivery of all the sensitive materials at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Kano branch for onward distribution to the local offices.

INEC, head of electoral operations, Kano office, Suliaman Yaro told journalists during the exercise that the early distribution was to prevent logistics challenges encountered during the presidential election in the state.

He disclosed that both the BVAS machines and ballot papers will arrive at their destination before Friday where the materials would be moved to the wards.