The Nigerian police have revealed a disturbing plan by some political parties in Kano State to unleash violent protests in response to the recent Appeal Court judgment upholding the sack of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, issued a warning to the public about the orchestrated plot, urging residents to remain law-abiding.
According to Commissioner Gumel, the intention behind the planned protests is to take to the streets in defiance of the court’s ruling, potentially leading to widespread chaos and violence. He stressed the importance of reporting any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or emergency phone numbers.
In a statement by police spokesman Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, it was revealed that the political factions involved were using unconventional media platforms to mobilize supporters for the impending riot. The Court of Appeal in Abuja had recently upheld the nullification of Governor Yusuf’s election by the state election petition tribunal, adding fuel to the already tense political atmosphere.
The initial judgment by the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on September 20 had declared Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the duly elected governor of Kano State.
Prior to this ruling, anxiety had gripped the state when the sacked Commissioner of Lands and Physical Planning, Adamu Kibiya, issued threats against the judges if the verdict did not favor Governor Yusuf.
Commissioner Gumel, collaborating with the military and other security agencies in the state, stated that measures were being taken to deploy personnel and equipment to strategic locations. The goal is to ensure the security of lives and property and prevent any attempts to cause disturbances or a breakdown of law and order due to the ongoing legal battle over the governorship election.
Despite these efforts, Commissioner Gumel raised alarm that political fanatics were still plotting to stage violent protests against the recent judgment.
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He issued a stern warning that anyone attempting to disrupt the peace in Kano State would be arrested and face appropriate legal consequences.
“The call is as a result of credible information at the Command’s disposal that revealed the intention of some groups of political party supporters using unconventional media platforms, mobilizing people and planning to enter the streets in form of protest to the Kano State Governorship Appeal Court’s verdict which was delivered on Friday, 17th November 2023.
“The information revealed that the intention of the protesters is to shutdown the State in an action that may likely result in violence.
“It’s on this note that the police command issued warning to residents of the state to be extra-careful as whoever intends to conduct any protest or procession should do so in accordance with the provisions of the law,” he said.
