Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
Despite the ban on any protest in Kano State, thousands of youths Monday took to the streets of the ancient city of Kano, protesting against the Appeal Court judgment nullifying the election of the state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.
In what appeared a coordinated action, a huge crowd of protesters including men and women stormed strategic locations in the city, which resulted in temporary hiccup in commercial activities.
The angry youths barricaded two of the major entrances to the state, as motorists along Zaria and Maiduguri roads were forced to divert to make a detour.
Some protesters at Kantin Kwari market stormed IBB way, carrying different placards with inscriptions such as ‘Justice for Governor Abba’, ‘Kano My City My State’, ‘Abba’s mandate was stolen in 2019’, and ‘What 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 sympathizers sang protest songs in support of the governor and condemned the alleged injustice done to the people of the state by the appellate court.
Meanwhile, in the early hours of Monday, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, had addressed a press conference, warning any group against staging any form of protest in the state.
He has said: “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.”
Gumel said the command had 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 the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that both parties had re-assured him that they stand on the already signed Peace Accord.
