Fresh Protests Erupt in Kano Despite Police Warning

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Thousands of youths took to the streets in different parts of the ancient city of Kano State yesterday, protesting against the Appeal Court judgment between the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

In what appeared a coordinated action, a huge crowd of protesters including men and women stormed strategic locations in the city  leading to  temporary hiccups in commercial activities.

The angry youth barricaded two of the major entrances of the state, as motorists along Zaria and Maiduguri roads were forced to divert to avoid the fierce-looking youth.

Some of the  protesters at Kantin Kwari market stormed IBB way, carrying different placards with inscriptions:  “Calling  for Justice for Governor Abba”, “Kano My City My State;” “Abba’s mandate was stolen in 2019”,  “hat happened in 2019 would not be allowed to repeat itself now.”

Most of the protesters who were suspected to be members of the ruling NNPP and their sympathisers sang different songs in support of the governor and condemned the alleged injustice done to the people of the state by the appellate court.

This is coming on the heels of  the police issuing a stern warning to  faceless groups who were hell-bent on organising protests and closing all markets in the  state over the judgment and the recent remarks credited to the Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola on the appeal verdict.

However, in the early morning of  yesterday, the Kano State Commissioner of Police Mohammed Usaini Gumel, who addressed a press conference, warned any group against staging any form of protest in the state.

His words: “The attention of the police command has been drawn to a planned protest by some faceless political groups who are currently hiding under the guise of different lawful associations, one of which is the Kano traders’ association.”

“Already, the leadership of the Kantin Kwari, Sabongari, K/Wambai, Singer, and some other market traders associations within the metropolis have informed the Police Command of their resolve on the planned protest.”

“On this, the combined traders association not only disassociated themselves from such an unpatriotic plan but also made their position clear that they are not part of the ongoing political development in any way. They also reiterated that they neither have the intention to organize such protest nor close their shops,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police said the command has uncovered a hideous plan by some faceless political groups planning to embark on mass protests designed to breach the peace and cause the destruction of lives and properties in the state.

“You are all witnesses to our resolved respect for the rights of all residents and the way we are currently using our democratic policing strategy, which since brought about the desired peace that everyone is enjoying in all parts of the state.”

The CP added that the leadership of the Police Command was in touch with the leadership of NNPP and APC, and both have re-assured them  that they stand on the already signed Peace Accord.

Investigation revealed that there has been heightened tension in the state since the ruling of the Court of Appeal which sacked Governor Abba, while residents await the ruling of the Supreme Court on the matter