A former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso was engaged by the Nigerian government to defuse the planned nationwide protest in Kano, SaharaReporters has learnt.
Sources told SaharaReporters that a security report from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu shows Kwankwaso was enlisted by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to dissuade people from participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest.
SaharaReporters on Tuesday reported that organisers of the planned nationwide protest had rejected the police’s proposal for a confined protest.
The protest is scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10 across all states in Nigeria and the capital city of Abuja.
The protest demands an end to bad governance, hunger, and economic hardship in Nigeria.
Sources said a security report from the NSA revealed the role Kwankwaso to de-escalate the tensions and the protest in Kano.
According to sources, the report, which has been circulated to all police commissioners, reveals that Kwankwaso was enlisted to play a key role in diffusing the situation and maintaining peace in Kano.
“A security report from the NSA’s office has revealed that ex-Governor Kwankwaso was enlisted by the government to help calm the situation in Kano, amid calls for protests.
“The report, which has been shared with all police commissioners, indicates that Kwankwaso’s involvement is aimed at defusing further escalation and ensuring stability in the state,” a source said.
Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the NNPP, on Saturday appealed to Nigerians to exercise their voting rights to effect change, rather than taking to the streets in protest.
He also identified poor governance as the root cause of the myriad challenges facing the nation, including anger, hunger, insecurity, hopelessness, and despair among the populace.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, Kwankwaso listed poor governance, insecurity, hopelessness, interferences by the Federal Government into the affairs of the chieftaincy matters in Kano State, impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, political crises in Rivers State, sabotage to Aliko Dangote refinery, controversies surrounding SAMOA agreement, the conflict between Sen. Ali Ndume and the APC leadership, as some of the issues responsible for the widespread anger.
He, however, urged the public to resort to voting out bad leaders instead of protesting.
He said, “Today, I speak to you not just as an elder and a concerned citizen but as someone who deeply believes in the power and potential of our great nation. The recent calls for protests against bad governance resonate with me, as they reflect our collective frustration and yearning for a better Nigeria.
“However, I urge Nigerians to put our country first before any other consideration by way of being patient with the government and giving it all necessary support to succeed. If any government fails to provide the necessary leadership for better Nigeria, we will have opportunity as citizens to elect the people who can bring the required change using our votes.
“In these trying times, our nation stands at a crossroads. Our collective frustration with bad governance has reached a boiling point, and the urge to protest is strong. As an elder and patriotic Nigerian, I share your concerns and your desire for change. However, I urge you to consider the consequences of national protests and to channel your energy into a more effective and peaceful means of transformation—through the power of your ballot.”
According to him, protests often have unpleasant consequences.
He said, “Protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often come with unforeseen and dire consequences.
“The tragic events of the past have shown us that protests can escalate into violence, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread chaos. The repercussions of such actions extend far beyond the immediate moment, leaving scars on our communities and deepening divisions among us.”
The Inspector-General of Police, on Monday, directed Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) in charge of Zonal Police Headquarters and the Commissioners of Police (CPs) in charge of state commands across the country to ensure the safety of the protesters across the country. (SaharaReporters)
