APC Blames NNPP, Others Over Kano Violence

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano.

The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, has accused the ruling New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) and some opposition figures of inciting violence during the last hunger protests in the state.

A statement signed by the state Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, and the Director General of the Tinubu/Shetima, Gawuna/Garo Campaign Council, Alhaji Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi, condemned the recent violence in the state.

The APC said Governor Yusuf’s open invitation to protesters to the Government House coupled with his careless comments, which undermines the authority of the police in Kano, encouraged arson and looting in the wake of the protests.

Abbas asserted that “it was undiplomatic for a sitting governor to openly attack the police authority, which has been rendering its duties based on constitutional provisions.”

He also pointed accusing fingers at some opposition figures like Naja’atu Muhammad, alleging that her inciting comments on the planned national protests contributed to violence in the state.

The chairman further noted that the governor should not allow personal grudges he bore against the person of the state police commissioner in the state to undermine the security of life and property he is supposed to protect.

Abbas stated that being an opposition state, politics largely played a part in the governor’s decision to exploit the situation to its advantage.

“At this trying moment, leaders should direct their energies in dousing tension not to exacerbate it. It is a well-known fact that APC through its National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has called on the organisers of the protest to sheath their swords and adopt dialogue approach with the government.”