By Abbas Bamalli
Kano, Jan. 14, 2019 (NAN) The Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Kabiru Rurum has called on electorate to vote for credible candidates during the forthcoming general elections.
He made the call when members of the Kano election peace committee paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Kano on Monday.
According to him, “If credible and candidates with integrity are elected, more developmental projects will be initiated and executed in the state, as expected from them by the electorate.
The Speaker commended the election Peace Committee for their initiative, adding that it is necessary for the general public to cooperate with them to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections.
“During the last 2015 general elections, there was no record of any form of violence in the state, therefore in 2019 we are doing everything possible to make sure that such record is repeated.
“With the caliber of members of this committee, I have confidence that there would be no violence during the elections because they are well respected by the public”, the Speaker said.
Rurum assured the committee of the Assembly’s support and commitments to ensure violence free election through collaboration with all other stakeholders, especially the security agencies.
“I assure you that soon I will personaly commence campaign through the media on peaceful election, also want to advice you to make sure that all candidates across the political parties sign the peace agreement before elections”, Rurum advised.
Earlier in his remarks, the Co-Chaiman of the Committee, Prof. Ibrahim Umar said the aim of their visit was to solicit the cooperation and support of the assembly on the activities of the Committee.
According to him, the objectives of the Committee was to engage all flagbearers of political parties in the state to abide by the rules of engagement as enshrined in the Constitution and that of the electoral Act 2010 as amended.
“Our aim is also to commit all political party leaders and candidates to sign the Kano Election Peace Accord in the presence of all security agencies, before the commencement of the 2019 general elections.
“We will also explore ways of advocating the importance of peace before, during and after the elections. And to conduct public awareness campaigns on the need for peace and peaceful coexistence in Kano and the country in general.
“We are also to monitor through the Kano Civil Society Forum, the political campaign activities of all political parties and their candidates to assess their compliance with the peace accord”, the committee Chairman said.
Umar, therefore, called on the Speaker to make a Public declaration against all forms of political thuggery and violence in the state, before the elections. (NAN)
