A High Court in Kano State has directed the Kano Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) to proceed with the conduct of local government elections scheduled for Saturday.

Justice Sanusi Ma’aji of the state high court gave the order in a matter filed by the state independent electoral commission against All Progressives Congress (APC) and 13 others on Friday.

According to Justice Ma’aji, KANSIEC is empowered by the provisions of the Constitution to conduct, supervise, and hold local government elections across the 44 LGAS.

He maintained that any attempt to truncate the process of conducting the poll amounts to nullity.

Justice Ma’aji also ordered the security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, provide protection of life and property during the conduct of the election slated for tomorrow.

Recall that Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano on Tuesday stopped the conduct of the council election, saying the state electoral commission was illegally constituted.

The court disqualified Prof Sani Malumfashi as the chairman of the Commission.

The presiding Judge, Simon Amobeda, in a ruling in a matter filed by Aminu Aliyu Tiga and the All Progressives Congress, held that the chairman was a political party card-carrying member.

The court also sacked five members of the commission for their ties with a political party in the state.

The plaintiff had alleged that the commission chairman and the members were card-carrying members of the New Nigeria People’s Party.

Meanwhile, Kano State Police Command has stated that it would comply with Justice Amobeda’s ruling restricting it from participation in the election.

This is contained in a video message shared on Friday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police, Abdullahi Haruna.

“You are very much aware of the court order which was received by the Police Command here in Kano. Item nine of the order provides that the Police should not participate in the forthcoming local government election in the state.

“So, the Police in Kano are not participating in the election. However, it’s our responsibility to ensure no breakdown of law and order in the state and we’re always alive to our responsibilities,” Haruna said.

The spokesman said the police will remain steadfast in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of protection of lives and properties.

According to him, the state police commissioner, Salman Garba had convened a meeting with Heads of Departments, Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers with a view to re-strategising efforts on fulfilling the Nigeria Police Force constitutional mandate of protection of lives and property, as well as maintaining law and order in Kano state.

“During the meeting, the Commissioner of Police stressed the importance of proactive measures to prevent and respond to security threats. He directed the command’s operational commanders to enhance Patrols, increase visibility and presence in high-risk areas as well as intensify intelligence gathering.