Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, Nigeria has banned all forms of public gatherings intended for protest within the state.
This directive was issued through a statement by his Director-General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Tofa, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Kano.
Yusuf has instructed the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to apprehend, detain, and prosecute any individual or group violating the order.
“This decisive action is a preemptive strategy aimed at averting any potential breakdown of law and order orchestrated by adversaries of the state,” the statement read. “We are privy to credible intelligence indicating that certain prominent figures from the opposition party in Kano have devised plans to sponsor student associations and political agitators from other northwestern states. Their plan is to incite chaos under the guise of advocating for the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.”
The state government has explicitly outlawed protests, demonstrations, or processions of any kind. Gov. Yusuf emphasized that individuals found on the streets of Kano engaging in such activities will be promptly arrested.
“Through this declaration, we caution student groups against being manipulated by troublemakers who are resolute in fomenting disorder in Kano,” Yusuf warned.
The governor urged all citizens of the state to carry on with their normal activities, assuring them that the state remains serene. He added that the government would continue its vigilant oversight of the situation to address any individuals or factions trying to undermine the relative peace that the state currently enjoys.
