Kwankwaso Urges Federal Government to Stay Out of Kano’s Affairs Amid Police Alert
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general elections and former governor of Kano State, has urged the Federal Government to steer clear of meddling in matters that fall solely within the jurisdiction of the Kano State Government. His comments came in response to an alleged terror alert issued by the Kano State Police Command, which warned residents to avoid crowded areas in the city.
In a post shared on his verified Facebook account on Monday, Kwankwaso stated, “For the umpteenth time, I also urge the Federal Government to avoid dragging itself into unpleasant situations by further putting its hands in affairs that are strictly under the jurisdiction of the good people of Kano State and its Government.”
Kwankwaso went on to accuse the Kano State Police Command of issuing a “spurious” terror alert just before the weekend’s gathering of Tijjaniya faithful in the state, which nearly disrupted the event. He expressed his concerns, stating, “I am concerned by a ‘terror alert’ from the Kano State Police Command on the eve of the event. This alert not only jeopardised the success of the gathering but also put the lives of the people at risk by creating palpable fear among the people of Kano, those who came from other countries, and various parts of Nigeria.”
He further criticized the police for issuing such a serious threat that later turned out to be false, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent. “Issuing a threat alert of this magnitude, which later turns out to be false, sets a dangerous precedent. I am afraid it will lead people to be complacent in the event of a genuine threat in the future,” he said.
Kwankwaso also condemned what he saw as the Kano police’s alignment with the Federal Government in intervening in Kano’s internal affairs. “Such conduct by the police, which has already been marked as a willing partner for the Federal Government in its habitual dabbling into the affairs of Kano State, further puts its integrity in doubt,” he added.
The former NNPP flagbearer pointed out the negative impact the police’s actions could have on the Nigeria Police Force’s reputation, both locally and internationally, especially considering the global nature of the Tijjaniya event.
In his closing remarks, Kwankwaso called for professionalism from the Kano police, urging them to avoid being perceived as partisan. He also congratulated His Royal Highness, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, and Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for the successful organization of the monumental event. “I felicitate with His Royal Highness, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, and His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Governor of Kano State for successfully organising the monumental event,” he said. Additionally, he extended his congratulations to the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order for successfully completing the annual Maulud of Sheikh Ibrahim Inyass at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
