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Govt raises alarm over voters’ arrests
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From Paul Orude, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has raised concerns over the alleged arrest of voters by security personnel during Saturday’s by-elections in the state, calling for the immediate release of those detained.
The state Deputy Governor, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, made the call while inspecting the conduct of the election at Fuchukuwa Polling Unit in Sakwa Ward of Zaki Local Government Area on Saturday.
Jatau expressed concern that some voters were allegedly prevented from casting their ballots, saying such actions could undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.
He also observed that some of the security personnel involved appeared unfamiliar with the state and appealed for the release of voters reportedly taken into custody.
However, the Bauchi State Police Command later disclosed that it had arrested 50 persons allegedly operating as members of a state-owned security outfit during the election.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Habib Nafiu, the suspects were apprehended inside polling stations while allegedly carrying weapons, including guns, cutlasses and sticks.
The Command said their presence at the polling units was contrary to the Electoral Act and existing security arrangements for elections.
The police explained that state-established security outfits, private security personnel and local vigilante groups were not authorised to provide security at polling units.
It said election security was restricted to statutorily recognised agencies operating under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the alleged breach and directed that the 50 suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for investigation.
The Commissioner warned that anyone found attempting to disrupt the electoral process or threaten public peace would face legal action, irrespective of political or social status.
The Police Command also appealed to residents to remain peaceful and report suspicious activities or security threats through the appropriate emergency channels.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed Hassan Tilde, praised the conduct of his supporters throughout the bye-election.
Tilde, while speaking with journalists at Sambuwal Primary School Polling Unit in Disina Ward of Shira Local Government Area, said no APC supporter was arrested by the police, a testimony to the good behaviour of their supporters.
He described the election as peaceful, free and fair and expressed confidence that the APC candidate would win the election into the seat of the State Assembly.
