Tight Security as NNPP, APC Know Fate Today in Kano’s Guber Appeal

* State govt sues for calm

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Security agencies have beefed up effort in Kano State ahead of the judgment in the governorship appeal between the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the All Progressive Congress (APC) today.
To this extent, the Kano State Police Command in conjunction with other security agencies, has warned troublemakers not to jeopardise the security arrangements in the state.

The lower court had in a landmark judgment last September, sacked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the NNPP, and declared Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of APC as duly elected governor.
But there was uneasy calm in the ancient city of Kano yesterday, as residents awaited the announcement of the Court of Appeal to deliver its ruling on the contentious governorship poll between the two parties.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, in a press statement, broke the news.
He said, “Appeal court to deliver judgment on Kano Election Petition tomorrow, Friday, 17th November 2023 by 10:00 am in Abuja. This information is contained in a letter sent to our legal team today.”

However, in a joint press conference led by the State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, said they had engaged the two party leaders and agreed to ensure peace during and after the court verdict.

His words: “No politically motivated clusters of people would be allowed at any location under whatever guise. That, their supporters would not engage in any mass action suggesting preparation for violent procession, protests or celebrations that may trigger reactions.”
Gumel warned against unguarded statements from party members, which he said was likely to increase political tension or undermine the security arrangements and sanctity of the Judiciary.

“That, they will remain committed to on behalf of their parties monitor, adhere and comply with the details contained in the peace accord signed before the Kano State Police Command.

“That, their parties will support all the arrangements put in place by the security apparatus to maintain peace and order. That, any person or group of persons directly or indirectly found disrupting the peace before, during, and after the Appeal Judgment shall face the full wrath of the Law,” he stated.

Also, in another statement by the Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, the state government has advised people in the state to remain calm and avoid acts capable of causing a breach of the peace as the Appeal Court delivers judgment today.
Saying the advice had become necessary as some might take advantage of the situation and cause breach of the peace, Dantiye stressed the need for people to maintain peace for the development of the state and country at large.

He also called on security agencies to double their efforts in ensuring that law and order are maintained as well as ensure full protection of of lives and properties of the citizens in the state.