The Kano government prohibits public gatherings and protests amid Emirship dispute

By: Nwakaji Peace Martins

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has introduced stringent rules regarding public assemblies, prohibiting protests within the state.
This directive was communicated in a statement released by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, yesterday.
Governor Yusuf instructed the Police, the Directorate of State Security Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to apprehend, detain, and prosecute any individual or group participating in demonstrations on the streets of Kano.

The statement conveyed: “We have received reliable intelligence indicating that certain prominent figures from the opposition party in Kano have orchestrated plans to finance student associations and political instigators from other northwestern states to provoke disorder under the pretense of advocating for the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. Through this proclamation, we advise student organizations to be cautious of being influenced by troublemakers who are determined to instigate turmoil in Kano.”

The governor urged all residents of the state to continue with their daily routines “while the state maintains its serenity, and the government will continue to closely monitor the situation to promptly address any individuals or groups attempting to undermine the current peace that the state is experiencing.”
Meanwhile, the police command in Kano stated that it would ensure strict enforcement of the state government’s directive that prohibited all forms of protests and warned that any individual found violating the directive would be apprehended and prosecuted accordingly.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State, Mohammed Gumel, called on citizens in the state to remain loyal and adhere to the government’s directive.

The statement emphasized: “CP Gumel urges residents of Kano State to remain loyal and adhere to the order issued by the Kano State government this morning, 29/05/2024, which banned all forms of unlawful gatherings, protests, or processions. Security personnel have already been deployed to identify potential conflict areas within and outside the Metropolis, and are prepared to handle any violations and other unforeseen circumstances effectively.
“Similarly, the police command has put its well-equipped, motivated personnel on ‘red alert’ to decisively address any security threats in the state as any disruption of peace will not be tolerated. Therefore, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, urges law-abiding citizens of the state to remain loyal, comply with the Kano State government’s directive, maintain composure, and refrain from engaging in any unlawful activities that may incite violence as joint security forces have been deployed to key locations to preserve peace and order throughout the state.
“Moreover, the police command reiterates to the public that the law is clear, and anyone attempting to disturb the peace in the state will be arrested and face the full consequences of the law.”