Police warn against protest over Kano gov’s sacking

The Kano State Police Command issued a warning on Monday against protesting in any way after the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold the removal of Abba Yusuf as the state governor.

In a news release, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullah Kiyawa, stated that security personnel have reliable evidence that certain people are organizing to oppose the court’s decision.

In a statement, it was stated that the call had been made in response to reliable information that the command had access to. This information disclosed certain political party supporters’ plans to mobilize people through non-traditional media channels and take to the streets to demonstrate against the Friday, November 17, 2023, ruling of the Kano State Governorship Appeal Court.

“The information indicated that the demonstrators’ goal is to shut down the state, a move that is likely to spark violence.” With this in mind, the state’s police command warned citizens to exercise additional caution because anyone planning to stage a protest or parade must follow all legal requirements.

The state police command invited the leaders of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the All Progressives Congress to a peace pact signing on Thursday, November 16, 2023, prior to the court ruling.

Regardless of the verdict, the peace accord’s goal was to sustain unity and guarantee that the state’s political climate remained tranquil.
Additionally, the leaders of the two political parties pledged that no groups of people gathering for political purposes would be permitted anywhere, under any pretense, and that their followers would not participate in any kind of mass gathering that would encourage the planning of violent processions, demonstrations, or celebrations that might incite violent reactions.

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Additionally, they pledged to refrain from allowing any of their members to make careless remarks that would heighten political unrest or jeopardize the safety of the legal system and security protocols.

They continued by saying that they keep an eye on and abide by the specifics outlined in the peace agreement that was signed in front of the Kano State Police Command.

Additionally, they pledged that their parties would back all measures taken by the security apparatus to uphold law and order and that anyone or any group of people found to be directly or indirectly disturbing the peace prior to, during, or following the ruling of the appeals court would be subject to the full force of the law.

Following the peace agreement, joint security forces were mobilized and sent to key locations to maintain peace and order throughout the state. State Commissioner of Police Mohammed Gumel urged all citizens to remain calm and refrain from any unlawful gatherings, protests, or parades that might incite violence.

He proclaimed, “Again, anyone attempting to disturb the tranquility within the state will be apprehended and confronted with the fury of the law.”

While thanking the state’s citizens for their cooperation, understanding, and support, the CP advised them to report any unusual person movement without delay.