From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Following brewing tension in Kano instigated by the resolve of about three political parties to organize grand finale rallies for electioneering campaigns, ahead Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Muhammad Yakubu, Thursday morning, announced the cancellation of all political rallies cum procession in the state.
Speaking to Journalists at the Police Officers’ Mess, Bompai, CP Yakubu, stated that already, after due consultations with leaders of the political parties to stop their rallies, “they agreed, but one of them insisted on going on with the rally.”
But Journalists probed further on what will be the Police next line of action if any political party holds the Thursday rally—and he said: “we are apolitical. We are ready. We have advised them accurately.
“All of them applied for the rally, and it was not even approved. From their antecedents, if they meet at a place, They must clash.
“I have ordered them to suspend the rallies, some of them agreed, but one didn’t. If they insist, we know what to do when we reach there.”
CP Yakubu, however, urged residents to move about their daily businesses without fear, as the Police and sister-security agencies are working in synergy to maintain law and order.
He said that about 18, 000 trained police officers are already on ground to ensure peaceful, credible and violent-free elections.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police in-charge of Zone 1, Kano, AIG Sani Bello Dalijan, who spoke to Journalists briefly at the Police Officers’ Mess, said he breezed in to encourage his men and officers at the Command to remain resolute and apolitical.
“The reason why I came here is in order to encourage officer and men to remain apolitical, neutral, impartial in dealing with members of the public. They must also remain resolute and decisive in carrying out their constitutional duties,” AIG Dalijan added.
However, a letter signed earlier by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Operations, DCP Mu’azu U. Mohammed, on behalf of CP Yakubu, had advised all political parties to stop the Thursday rallies.
The letter circulated to all political parties involved and made available to The AUTHORITY, is captioned: “Re: Planned Rally/Procession/Grand Finale Of Electioneering Campaign By Political Parties.”
The letter reads: “You will recall that three political parties viz a viz, All Progressive Congress (APC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), informed the Police Command of the rallies/procession, scheduled for Thursday 23/02/2023 within Kano metropolis.
“In view of the precarious security situation in the state, the country in general, the Commissioner of Police immediately summoned the representatives of the three political parties to an emergency meeting, so as, to find solution to the impasse.
“Unfortunately, there was no headway with their rallies/processions. The Commissioner of Police passionately appealed to the consciousness of the representatives that this is not of the best interest for the fragile security of the state. It is therefore advised that all the political parties should postpone the planned rallies/processions to a later date after the Presidential/ National Assembly elections. Please, abide by the advisory.”
The AUTHORITY reports that security is heavily beefed up in Kano, with various security agencies stationed at strategic locations, while patrol teams are also on ground monitoring situations.
Residents are going about their normal businesses without any breach of the peace, as at the time of filling this report.
