Fresh protests erupted in Kano City and nearby areas, denouncing the recent Court of Appeal decision that ousted Governor Abba Yusuf .
Despite prior police interventions, Monday’s coordinated protests surprised many, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals.
City Grinds to a Halt as Demonstrators Demand Justice
In a seemingly coordinated effort, protesters swarmed strategic locations on Monday, causing heavy traffic and disrupting commercial activities. Major roads, including Kano-Zaria Road and Maiduguri Road, were blocked by hundreds of youths demanding justice for Abba Yusuf.
Protester placards conveyed messages such as: “Kano my city my state,” “Justice for Kano,” and “Abba’s mandate was stolen in 2019, we will not allow it happen in 2023.”
Police Respond to Potential Violence
Amid the protests, the police discovered “faceless groups” planning violence in Kano. The Commissioner of Police, Hussaini Gumel, announced the arrest of seven suspects, emphasizing that those deviating from a peace pact with political parties would be treated as common criminals.
Political Parties Trade Allegations
Despite police intervention, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) continued to exchange accusations. The NNPP alleged federal influence on the judiciary, claiming the opposition sought to manipulate the legal system in its favor.
NNPP Chairman in Kano, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, urged security agencies and activists to protect democracy in Nigeria, stating, “It is not good for democracy, for his government, and for the good people of Kano State.”
APC Denies Influence, Citing Judicial Process
In response, the APC Secretary in Kano, Ibrahim Zakari Sarina, dismissed claims of presidential influence, asserting that the judicial process was the sole determinant. He emphasized the adherence to legal procedures and refuted allegations of stealing the mandate through illegal means.
