Kano State Police command said it had uncovered a plan by some supporters of a political party to orchestrate violence through massive protests in the state.
A statement by the spokesperson of the command SP Abdullahi Kiyawa on Monday said intelligent information at the police disposal revealed political party supporters using unconventional media platforms to mobilizing people for protest against the Court of Appeal verdict.
The Appeal Court on 17th Friday, November 2023 invalidated the victory of Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as duly elected Governor of Kano state.
However, the police reminded the residents that its directive restricting public possession and gathering for political and or for any purpose was still in force and would therefore resist any attempt to violate the order.
The command disclosed that adequate security arrangements have been put in place to prevent escalation of tensions that may lead to breakdown of law and order; warning that whoever attempts to disrupt the peace in the State, will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the Law.
It called on all residents to maintain calmness and avoid any form of unlawful gathering, protest, or procession that may trigger violence as joint security forces have since been dispatched to strategic locations to safeguard peace and order throughout the State.
“The information revealed that the intention of the protesters is to shutdown the State in an action which may likely result in violence.
“It’s on this note that the police command issued warning to residents of the state to be extra-careful as whoever intends to conduct any protest or procession should do so in accordance with the provisions of the law.
“But you will all recall that prior to the court ruling, the leaderships of both NNPP and APC had been invited by the Kano State Police Command where peace accord was signed on Thursday, 16th November 2023. The objective of the peace accord was to maintain harmony and ensure that the political landscape in Kano State remained peaceful, irrespective of the judgment’s outcome.
“In furtherance, the leadership of the two political parties promised that; no politically motivated clusters of people would be allowed at any location under whatever guise; their supporters would not engage in any mass action suggesting preparation for violent protests or celebrations that may trigger reactions.
“Also pledged to resist unguarded statements from their members 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 to monitor, adhere and comply with the details contained in the peace accord signed before the Kano State Police Command and that their parties will support all the arrangements put in place by the security apparatus to maintain peace and order, and that any person or group of persons directly or indirectly found disrupting the peace before, during and after the Appeal Court Judgment shall face the full wrath of the Law.”
