In a brewing tension within Kano city, supporters of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have declared their intentions to proceed with planned protests on Saturday, defying warnings from the state police command.
The separate demonstrations are in response to the recent Court of Appeal ruling that upheld the governorship election petitions tribunal’s decision to remove Governor Abba Yusuf of the NNPP. NNPP supporters express dissatisfaction with the appellate court’s judgment, citing a conflicting written judgment that initially affirmed Yusuf as the duly elected governor. The court clarified that the removal of the governor was valid, attributing the conflicting written judgment to a clerical error.
Conversely, APC supporters are adamant about their scheduled protest in support of the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Nasiru Gawuna.
Despite the state police command’s stern warning against unauthorized protests that could escalate into violence, both groups remain steadfast in their plans. The police command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, issued a statement cautioning against any breach of peace and threatening decisive action against organizers and troublemakers.
The statement revealed that credible information indicated the mobilization of NNPP and APC supporters through various media platforms, with the intention to stage protests against the Appeal Court’s verdict and potentially disrupt the state.
In response to the looming crisis, the military is on high alert. Brigadier General Jamiu Are, Commander of the 3rd Brigade, Kano, assured collaboration with the state police to maintain peaceful co-existence. He emphasized the economic importance of Kano as the commercial nerve center of the North, pledging continued cooperation with other security agencies.
In a twist, the state government, represented by Commissioner for Information Baba Halilu Dantiye, blamed the opposition for orchestrating the protests to discredit the government. Governor Abba Yusuf urged Kano residents to remain calm, have faith in the judicial process, and avoid actions that could lead to the destruction of lives and property.
As tension escalates, Kano remains at the center of political unrest, with security forces on high alert to prevent potential violence during the planned protests.
