By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Prof. Sani Malumfashi, has expressed concern over the rising culture of impunity in Nigeria’s democratic system and called on all stakeholders, especially the media, to address this trend.
Speaking to journalists on KANSIEC’s preparations for tomorrow’s local government elections, Malumfashi emphasized the need to challenge impunity in the system.
“Impunity is gradually becoming entrenched in our democratic process. It is the duty of the media, democrats nationwide, and change agents to boldly confront this culture of impunity,”
“Everything, even court rulings, is turning into a commodity. This trend paves the way for authoritarianism and autocratic tendencies” he stated.
Regarding the elections, Malumfashi confirmed that the polls would proceed as planned, following a Kano State High Court ruling in favor of the commission.
This decision came after a Federal High Court, led by Justice Simon Amobeda, recently ruled to halt the elections and remove the commission’s chairman and members.
Malumfashi underscored the need to respect court judgments and mentioned that six political parties, including the NNPP, ZLP, Accord Party, NRM, AAC, and AA, would participate in the election.
He affirmed that KANSIEC had adhered to due process throughout, with commissioner nominations approved by the State House of Assembly.
The chairman pledged a free, fair, and credible election, urging stakeholders to support the process.