Kano State Government has expressed concern over the manner the State’s Police Command has been disobeying the “legitimate instructions” of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who is the Chief Security Officer of the State.
Speaking at a press conference in Government House, Kano, yesterday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Isah Dederi, said, “I am compelled to ask the question: who is usurping the authority of the Commander-in-Chief?
“Because, some people are dishing out directives to security chiefs in the State; so much so that the State Police Commissioner, without any consultation with the Chief Security Officer of the State, or approval from the State Security Council, had issued an order banning Eid-el-Kabir festivities in Kano State.
“How can anybody in his right senses ban Sallah festivities in Kano? When did the State Governor cease to be the Chief Security Officer of the State that he will only see such ban on social media? Who is pushing the State Commissioner of Police to usurp the authority of the Governor?
“It is important to stress that the Commissioner of Police has been consistent in disobeying the legitimate instructions of the Governor as Chief Security Officer, hiding behind ‘orders from above’. I ask again, what is the offence of Kano people that the Nigeria Police penciled them for destruction?
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.
“Some people are desperately scheming to unjustly penalise 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 State 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 emphasised the Governor’s constitutional duty as the Chief Security Officer of the state to ensure the protection of lives and property.
Recall that, the Police in the State had announced a ban on Durbar activities during the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
A statement issued by the Police Spokesperson in the State, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said, “the combined security agencies are for the purpose of overriding public safety, not expecting cultural troupes, costumes, weapons wielding, or any form of insignia representing durbar from any of the traditional stool contenders”.
