The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command, has assured the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) of maximum cooperation ahead of the Dec. 13 bye-election in three wards of the state.
This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kano by the Corps’ Public Relations Officer, SC Ibrahim Idris Abdullahi.
According to the statement, the State Commandant, Mohammed Hassan Agalama, received the KANSIEC Chairman, Prof. Sani Lawan Malumfashi, during a courtesy visit to the command headquarters.
It said the visit was part of preparations for the bye-election scheduled to hold in Kofar Mazugal (Dala LGA), Matan Fada (Doguwa LGA) and Maraku (Ghari LGA) following the recent demise of the councillors representing the affected wards.
Malumfashi solicited the support of the Corps to ensure a smooth, free and fair exercise.
“Considering your important role in the conduct of elections, and Kano being politically conscious and hypersensitive, I should not take this election for granted.
“Security agencies, including the Civil Defence, are custodians of democracy. Without you, we cannot conduct a free and fair election. I therefore seek your cooperation and support,” the KANSIEC chairman said.
He also noted recent security challenges in parts of the state and stressed the need for enhanced security before, during and after the polls.
Responding, Agalama assured the commission of the Corps’ readiness to provide adequate security throughout the process.
“I can guarantee you maximum support. We will ensure that the electorate, election materials—both sensitive and non-sensitive—and all government infrastructure are well protected,” he said.
The statement added that the Corps would work with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful atmosphere during the exercise.