Kano Royal Battle: Gov Yusuf Outlaws Public Protests, Demonstrations, Alleges Plan By Opposition To Destabilize State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst growing tensions, and unease surrounding the festering Kano Emirate Throne’s disagreement, the Kano State Government, on Wednesday May 29,  2024 announced a clamp down on protest marches and unauthorized public gatherings across the State

This is just as the State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has urged law abiding residents to go about their lawful activities without fear.

A statement issued by the Governor’s Media Aide, Sanusi Bature, said the State Government is in possession of credible intelligence suggesting that some powerful, but unnamed forces have concluded plans to disrupt the peace of Kano using students bodies and other political agitators from some parts the Northwest region.

According to the statement, Governor Yusuf’s decision is   in line with his constitutional responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of the State.

“By virtue of his position, the Governor has directed the Police, the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to apprehend, detain, and  prosecute any individuals or groups partaking in demonstrations on the streets of kano.

“We are privy to credible intelligence indicating that  the certain prominent figures from the opposition parties in kano have devised plans to sponsor student associations and political agitators from other Northwest States to incite chaos under the guise of advocating for the reinstatement of the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

“The State Government has explicitly outlawed protests, demonstrations, or processions of any kind, and individuals found on the streets of Kano engaging in such activities will be promptly apprehended .

“Through this declaration, we caution student-groups against being manipulated by trouble makers who are resolute in fomenting disorder in Kano” part of the statement reads.

The statement further noted that the ban on protest marches and other related activities is a proactive measure to forestall the break down of law and order in the face of the challenges posed by the ongoing struggle for the Kano Emirate stool principally between Emir Bayero and  Emir Muhammad Sanusi.

The Source reports that following the May 23  dethronement of Emir Bayero and four  others to pave way for the  return of Emir Sanusi ,a spate of protest marches  and demonstrations have hit most parts of the State.

Specifically, irate youths have, in the last two days, embarked on a series of protests in Gaya and Bichi, two of the five areas whose Emirs were equally swept aside together with Emir Bayero.

Credible sources have revealed that with the conflicting pronouncements  emanating from the judiciary on the royal crisis, chances are that some of the interested parties may resort to self help any time soon.