The Kaduna State Government has issued a strong warning against engaging in any type of protest in the wake of the state's Saturday presidential and National Assembly election results.
Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission retained sole authority over the release of results and reminded citizens that announcing an unofficial result has consequences.
The Kaduna State Government hereby warns citizens that protests of any kind remain strictly forbidden throughout the state, he continued, while the process of collating election results moves forward.
"The State Government has noted the mainly peaceful election process throughout the state with satisfaction and applauds citizens for exercising their right to vote in a lawful manner.
To maintain the atmosphere of calm that has so far prevailed, citizens must refrain from participating in any type of street protest, whether it be in response to election results or another issue. Security agencies will take decisive action against any actions that could jeopardize public peace.
"It must be emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission has sole responsibility for the announcement of election results. People and organizations engaged in the publication of results in an unofficial manner ought to be aware that doing so poses a serious threat to public peace and order. "Groups or individuals who may have questions about officially announced results are urged to use the legal resources made available by the Electoral Act.
Along with the state's security agencies, Governor Nasir El-Rufai continues to keep a close eye on the security situation related to the conduct of the elections.