The Kano State Government and the state Commissioner of Police, Ussain Gumel, have disagreed over the banning of Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
While the government expressed concern over the actions of the State Police Commissioner, accusing him of disobeying the directives of the Governor.
But, the Commissioner said he had never disrespected the governor.
The government further alleged that “agents of destruction and rejected politicians” were “desperately making plans to plunge the state into unnecessary and avoidable anarchy”.
“Some people are dishing out instructions to security chiefs in the state so much that the state Commissioner of Police(CP), without any consultation with the State Chief Officer, has issued an order banning Eid-el Kabir festivities in Kano State.
He expressed surprise that the governor only got to hear of such a ban through social media.
“Who is pushing the CP to usurp the authority of the governor?” he queried.
Dederi accused the CP of “consistently disobeying the legitimate instructions of the governor as a chief security officer”, and wondered who was pushing him into such actions.
It could be recalled that the Kano Police Command last week banned any durbar procession during sallah festivities to forestall break down of peace and order considering the fact that Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero is holding court at Nasarawa mini palace laying claim to be the emir of Kano.
Similarly, Muhammadu Sanusi II is asserting authority as the emir of Kano at the emir’s palace.
This followed the deposition of Aminu Ado Bayero by Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf and the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II weeks ago.
Presently, there are two cases on the emirate issue at the federal high courts and two also at the state high courts.
The situation of the two emirs is creating tension in the town.
However, Gumel expressed shock and surprise at the statement by the State Attorney General accusing him of disrespecting the executive orders of Governor Abba Yusuf and taking instructions from unknown sources.
Gumel told NAN in a telephone interview on Saturday that the accusations were unfounded as he had never been disloyal to the governor.
The CP defended his track record as a champion of community safety and sustainable peace, citing his efforts to rid Kano State of criminals.
He expressed confidence that members of the public would vindicate him and justify his position in the Kano Emirate saga.
“I mean well for Kano State and my actions speak louder than words,” he said.
NAN reports that the Police command had banned the traditional Sallah Durbar, usually an integral part the Eid-el Kabir celebrations in the state.
Gumel, while announcing the measure, said it became necessary to sustain the peace.
He, however, advised worshippers to conduct their normal Eid Prayers at the various designated praying grounds, as was traditionally done in the past.
“In this trying period, the Police will enforce the existing court order and prevail on the two contending parties regarding the Kano Emirship tussle.
“We urge them to remain apart and respect the court order,” he said.
The CP said that the command would want to see continued collaboration and cooperation from all stakeholders so as to collectively work toward building a safer and more secure environment.
Addressing newsmen at the Africa House of the Government House, Dederi, said “I am compelled to address you once again on behalf of His Excellency, 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.”
PLATFORM TIMES reports that 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 government stated.
The Attorney General who spoke on behalf of Governor Abba Yusuf noted that despite the measures, certain individuals have been accused of attempting to destabilise the state.
He 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,” the statement read, referring to the repeal of the 2019 Emirates Law and the ensuing litigation.
“The government also addressed 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 Kano 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 own volition accompanied by security guards. Therefore, no one put him under house arrest.”
“The government emphasized the Governor’s constitutional duty as the Chief Security Officer of the State to ensure the protection of lives and properties.
“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.”
He noted that the arrest was never actually carried out by security agencies.
Further concerns were raised 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.
“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?” the statement questioned, accusing the Commissioner of consistently disobeying legitimate instructions and hiding behind “orders from above.”
The government called on all well-meaning Nigerians and international friends of Nigeria to intervene and allow the people of Kano to live in peace.
“Any attempt by anybody to undo that is an assault on democracy,” the statement concluded, urging the people of Kano to continue their legitimate activities peacefully and promising to keep them informed as events unfold.
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