*Insists announcement of results the preserve of INEC
By; FUNMI ADERINTO, Kaduna
As the collation of election results progresses, the Kaduna State Government has reminded citizens that protests of any sort remain strictly prohibited across the state.
A statement signed by the Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan, made available on Sunday, said that the state government has noted with satisfaction the largely peaceful conduct of elections across the state, and commends residents for exercising their franchise in an orderly manner.
“Citizens must therefore, avoid street protests over election results – or of any other kind – in order to preserve the atmosphere of calm so far experienced. Actions which may disrupt public peace will be handled decisively by security agencies.
“It must be stressed that the announcement of election results is the exclusive duty of the Independent National Electoral Commission. Individuals and groups involved in unofficial publication of results should be aware that they constitute serious threats to public peace and order,” it said.
The statement advised individuals or groups who may have queries over officially announced results to utilize the legal instruments provided by the Electoral Act.
“Governor Nasir el-Rufai continues to monitor closely the security situation in relation to the conduct of the elections, alongside security agencies in the state,” it said.
