The Kano State Government, on Saturday, expressed concern over the actions of the State Police Commissioner, who has been accused of disobeying the directives of the Governor, particularly regarding the banning of Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
In a press conference held at the Africa House of the Government House, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi, said: “I am compelled to address you once again on behalf of the Executive Governor and the Government of Kano State over the unfortunate activities of some enemies of the State that are hell-bent on causing a breakdown of law and order in our State.
“A series of actions that have contributed to the current tension, including the recent passing and signing of the Kano State Emirate Councils (Repeal) Bill, 2024.
“On May 23, 2024, the State House of Assembly passed the bill, which was promptly signed into law by the Governor after thorough consultations with relevant stakeholders and law enforcement agencies.”
The Attorney-General, who spoke on behalf of Governor Abba Yusuf, noted that despite the measures, certain individuals have been accused of attempting to destabilize the state.
Isa Dederi said: “Some people are desperately scheming to unjustly penalize the people of Kano for keeping to the tradition of radical politics of voting with their conscience.”
On the recent judgment by the Federal High Court No. 3 in Kano, which claimed that the former emir’s fundamental rights were infringed upon, including allegations of house arrest, the State Government disputed this, stating, “No one forced him into Gidan Nassarawa, belonging to the government of Kano State.
“He went in there and stayed there on his volition accompanied by security guards. Therefore, no one put him under house arrest.
“When the former emir came in accompanied by hoodlums clearly threatening the peace and orderliness of the State, the Governor was under a duty to act to ensure peace, and that was why he issued the arrest order.”
Raising concerns about the Police Commissioner’s actions, particularly the unilateral decision to ban Eid-el-Kabir festivities without consulting the Governor or the State Security Council, he said:
“How can anybody in his right senses ban Sallah festivities in Kano? And when did the State Governor cease to be the Chief Security Officer of the State that he will only see such a ban on social media?
“Any attempt by anybody to undo that is an assault on democracy.”(Vanguard)
