By Mohammad Lawal Maikudi
The political build up towards the judgement of Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has sent jitters in the spines of many Kano residents and other Nigerians
The antagonism between the All Progressives Congress, APC and the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP before, during and after the March 18 gubernatorial election a political future that looked dangerous and bleak.begun to manifest in Kano.
The utterences of some critical political stakeholders from the two groups were clear indications that violence was lurking in the corner waiting to be ignited to consume even the innocent.
Those who were in doubt of violent machinations were clearly convinced by the former commissioner for lands and survey while addressing some Kwankwasiyya faithfuls during the famous prayers seeking divine intervention in the tribunal judgement.
Some political observers opined that the prayers were genuine and just until the video of the land commissioner went virile. The simple message in the video was that if the tribunal judges against the government there would trouble.
It was in view of this that the Kano State Police Command summoned the two groups and extracted a commitment to peace before, during and after the tribunal judgement.
And again, the police decided to impose a 24 hour curfew after the judgement was delivered. The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Muhammad Usaini made the declaration saying a combined team of security operatives has been dispatched across the city to enforce the curfew.
He said, “In view of the Constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force alongside the relevant Internal Security and Law Enforcement Agencies to preserve law and order in the State, the Kano State Police Command have mapped out strategies in that direction and call on the good people of the State to give the necessary confidence and supports.
“Going forward, Kano State residents are called upon to note that combined Security Forces have already been dispatched to the nooks and crannies including the entry and exits of the State to ensure enforcement and strict compliance of the 24-hour (24hrs) Curfew order as communicated by the State Government via letter with Reference No: K/SEC/H/435/T.1/153 dated 20th September 2023 taking effect from 6 pm of Wednesday, 20th September to 6 pm of Thursday, 21st September 2023.
“Violators will be arrested and ,xffffxxmade to face the full wrath of the law .
“Finally, I wish to appreciate all the peace-loving People of the State and urge them to remain law abiding as it’s in the best interest of all that we come together to maintain law and order in the State.”
Luckily the curfew order was complied with and the state is saved from being slammed with a state of emergency that would adverse effects on our efforts to continue nurturing democracy in Nigeria. , ,
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