By AMINU GARKO

Kano State Government on Friday announced a movement restriction across the state ahead of Saturday Local Government elections.

The restriction, effective from midnight to 6 p.m. on election day aims to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the polls.

The state Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, stated that this precautionary measure guaranteed the safety of lives and property during the elections.

?Only essential services personnel, including election officials, security personnel, and accredited journalists, are exempt from the restriction.

?The government urges the public to comply with the directive and cooperate with security agencies.

?Residents are encouraged to exercise their civic rights peacefully and avoid disrupting the election.

?Security agencies are on high alert across the 44 local government areas, with checkpoints established to monitor compliance,? he said.

Prof Lawal Malumfashi, Chairman of Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) assured citizens of the commission?s readiness to conduct a credible election, urging voters to come out and cast their votes.

Malumfashi named the political parties participating in the council election as Action Alliance, and Zenith Labour Party, New Nigeria People?s Party, among others.

?We are fully prepared to conduct free, fair and credible elections across the 44 Local Government Areas in the state?, he said.

He said that the government?s decision to impose movement restrictions was a necessary step to prevent violence and ensure voter safety. (NAN)