By Osaigbovo Okungbowa
In a fiery condemnation, the National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Mr. Ladipo Johnson, decried the Federal Government’s deployment of soldiers and other security agents in Kano State. Labelling it a blatant show of force and an affront to Nigeria’s democratic principles, Johnson warned that these actions pose a grave danger to the nation’s democratic fabric.
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A Siege on Democracy
On Saturday morning, Nigerians awoke to the alarming sight of soldiers surrounding the Emir of Kano’s palace. This military presence, according to Johnson, was an unwarranted attempt to disrupt the constitutionally backed process of restructuring the Kano State Emirate Council. This restructuring, he noted, was a lawful and necessary step to restore the emirate’s historical integrity.
“The on-going siege on Kano State, especially the Palace of the Emir of Kano by soldiers and other security agents, is nothing but a show of shame and a threat to the democracy which some Nigerians shed their blood to enthrone,” Johnson asserted. He emphasized that the deployment undermines the state’s autonomy and encroaches on powers constitutionally granted to state governments, particularly in matters of local governance and chieftaincy.
Constitutional Overreach
The NNPP spokesperson detailed the constitutional violations posed by the Federal Government’s actions. The Kano State House of Assembly, in exercising its legislative powers, passed the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf subsequently signed this bill into law, effectively restoring the former Emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (also known as Muhammadu Sanusi II), to his position.
“This process went through the whole gamut of law amendment processes,” Johnson explained, highlighting the thorough and lawful nature of the legislative actions. He questioned the Federal Government’s authority in intervening in this state matter, pointing out that chieftaincy affairs are explicitly within the jurisdiction of state governments, as stipulated by the 1999 Constitution.
Federal Interference and Local Autonomy
Johnson criticized the Federal Government’s apparent involvement in the return of the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. According to allegations by Kano’s Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the former Emir was escorted back to Kano under the protection of soldiers, allegedly facilitated by a high-ranking federal official.
“The NNPP faults the alleged forceful return of deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, to Kano through the might of the Federal Government,” Johnson stated, warning that such actions threaten the peace and harmony of the state. He accused the Federal Government of attempting to destabilize Kano for political gain, following a failed legal bid to overturn the state’s election results.
The Role of Security Forces
Johnson also condemned the behavior of the Kano State Commissioner of Police, who he claims has refused to execute lawful orders from the state government. He noted the commissioner’s refusal to arrest the deposed Emir for actions that could incite violence and public disorder, describing this as a direct affront to Governor Abba Yusuf, the state’s Chief Security Officer.
“The refusal of the State Commissioner of Police to carry out the order of Governor Abba Yusuf to arrest the deposed Emir for attempting to cause violence and public disorder through his conduct was disrespectful to the Governor,” Johnson declared.
He highlighted the inconsistency in the Commissioner’s adherence to court orders, suggesting selective enforcement that undermines the state government’s authority and exacerbates tensions.
Appeal for Intervention
In light of these events, the NNPP is calling on prominent Nigerian elders, leaders of thought, and the international community to intervene. Johnson urged these stakeholders to pressure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rein in members of his party, who he accuses of pushing Kano State and the broader northern region towards turmoil for their selfish ambitions.
“We are using this medium to appeal to Elders in the country, leaders of thought, and Nigerians in general as well as the International Community to prevail on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call to order members of his party who are bent on throwing Kano State and indeed the entire North into turmoil just to realize their selfish ambition,” he pleaded.
Upholding Democratic Principles
Johnson reaffirmed the NNPP’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s democracy and the principles of separation of powers enshrined in the constitution. He warned against any attempts to declare a state of emergency in Kano, suggesting that such a move would be an underhanded strategy to achieve political control that the ruling party could not secure through legal means.
“The on-going scenario in Kano where soldiers are deployed to upturn a properly enacted law by the State legislature and the State Police Commissioner bluntly refuses an instruction by a sitting Governor as we are witnessing in Kano portends grave danger to our democracy,” Johnson warned.
He called for the respect of the legislative process and urged all parties involved to allow the courts to resolve the dispute without resorting to coercive measures that undermine democratic governance.
Conclusion
The current crisis in Kano State, marked by the deployment of military forces and federal interference, has ignited a fierce debate about the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy and the autonomy of its states. The NNPP’s strong stance against these actions underscores the broader concerns about political overreach and the preservation of constitutional governance.
As the situation unfolds, the eyes of the nation and the international community remain fixed on Kano. The hope is that dialogue, respect for legal processes, and adherence to democratic principles will prevail, ensuring stability and peace for the people of Kano and the nation at large.
Osaigbovo Okungbowa is Atlantic Post Senior Political Correspondent
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