The Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Dahiru Muhammad, has warned personnel and political parties against violating election rules ahead of the Saturday by-election in Babura/Garki Federal Constituency.
This warning was issued when the Jigawa Commissioner of Police, Dahiru Muhammad, played host to INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, ahead of the by-election on Friday, at the Command’s headquarters in Dutse, the state capital.
The visit was part of ongoing engagements and consultations in preparation for the by-election.
Muhammad expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to providing adequate security before, during, and after the by-election.
“The Police, in collaboration with other sister security agencies, have put in place robust operational strategies to safeguard the entire electoral process,” he said.
The commissioner appealed to political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and abide by the rules governing the electoral process.
“The police will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who attempts to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the state,” he warned.
The Jigawa command also called on residents of Babura and Garki Local Government Areas to turn out en masse and exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation saying “Adequate security will be provided to guarantee a safe and secure environment.”
The CP also warned all personnel deployed for the national assignment across agencies/organisations to sustain neutrality, professionalism, respect for human rights, and adherence to international best practices during the process.
Furthermore, the police commissioner reiterated that the command is committed to ensuring a peaceful and credible election.
“We will work closely with INEC and other security agencies to ensure that the by-election is conducted in a free and fair manner,” he said.
He therefore urged residents to report any security concerns or incidents to the nearest police station or through the command’s contact numbers.
Earlier, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, who is the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States, commended the police commissioner and his management team for their commitment towards ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
“The importance of synergy among all security agencies and other critical stakeholders in the state cannot be overemphasised,” Prof. Zuru said.
He further assured that INEC is ready to conduct a free, fair, credible, and transparent election in line with the law.
