Police ban street protests in Kano
The Kano Police Command has declared a ban on any public protests while the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal meets to accept written addresses.
CP Husaini Gumel, the State Police Commissioner, made the statement on Monday at the state headquarters.
According to him, intelligence sources show that both the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are planning public protests against the tribunal’s current session.
This comes after Justice Flora Azinge, the Chairman of the State and House of Representatives Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Kano, raised alarm over an alleged attempt to obstruct the cause of justice with financial inducement.
Justice Azinge, who did not disclose the identity of the individual trying to bribe the panel, alleged that some senior lawyers arguing their petitions before the court made unwholesome moves to corrupt the system.
The Commissioner, therefore, warned supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to desist from all forms of protest without clearance from the police.
“In consideration of the confirmatory intelligence products at the disposal of this Police Command, all forms of street protests are hereby banned across all parts of the state.
“Members of the public should therefore note that it has come to our knowledge that both the APC and the NNPP members are currently mobilising rented crowds in the guise of the Civil Society Coalition without clearance from the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and without prior approval from the security agencies in the state.
“Both organisers as well as the umbrella body should note that any attempt to disrespect NLC and the security agencies in the state by playing around with the fragile security situation, which the combined security agencies have been managing, is not only uncivil and criminal but also an offence against National security.
“Checks have so far been conducted by this Police Command, and It’s revealing that some members of both political parties who are influencing the members of the Civil Society to embark on this decision are doing so merely as a result of their apprehensions and to preempt the judgement of the election tribunal.”
He warned that the command would arrest and prosecute defaulters.
“The Police Command is ever grateful for the enormous support and cooperation it has been enjoying from the good people of the State for the peace, security, stability, and overall interest of all residents,” he said.
