Ahead of the Supreme Court judgment on Kano State governorship election tussle, the two leading political parties, the ruling New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) and the opposition party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) have again signed peace accord to accept whatever the outcome of the highest court of the land without resulting to break down of law and orders.
However, the joint security agencies in the state, including the Nigeria Police, Army, Custom, Immigration, Air force and other security operatives have warned political parties and politicians against instigating or causing mayhem during and after the Supreme Court ruling, urging them to have a rethink as combined forces are oj red alert.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr.Muhammad Husani Gumel, disclosed this while addressing a press on behalf of joint forces after a security meeting on Friday, held with the representatives of the APC and NNPP.
He said, “Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press; you are once again welcome to Bompai, the Headquarters of Kano State Police Command as we are keeping to our promises of periodically updating you on the security situation of the State, especially as it relates to security and safety of life and property.”
He warned that the joint security forces “have also mapped out robust strategies to deal with any plan to bring restiveness in the State.”
He added that in contrast, the position of the joint security agencies in the state was made very clear.
“It is a priority to all security agencies that we all pay attention to protection of lives and property and in their part, endeavor to fish out those faceless groups planning to disrupt the peace being enjoyed in the State or advise them to sheath their swords as the combined security agencies have beamed the necessary searchlight on their activities.
“We have also mapped out robust strategies to deal with any plan to bring restiveness in the State.
“We also call on anyone or group of persons found engaging in activities likely to cause disrupting the peace in the State to stop or will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the law.
“And to explain further the security preparation ahead of Christmas/New Year festivities and in particular the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Supreme Court Verdict,” he added.
According to him, it will be “recalled that the police command had adequately attended to a number of plots by some faceless political pressure groups who are hell-bent on fomenting trouble and to stampede on the general security situation of the State from being very peaceful as it is.
“However, we must appreciate and commend the leadership of both the NNPP and the APC, for maintaining their position on standing by the peace accord the third time since they both signed the commitment to ensuring peace and orderliness in all parts of the State.
“Today, Friday 8th December 2023, the heads of the joint security agencies’ meeting was held at this Police Headquarters where the security situation was reviewed and the security arrangements agreed upon to be put in place for ensuring no breakdown of law and order before, during and after the State Governorship Supreme Court Verdict.
“In addition, the meeting addressed some emerging security concerns with the leadership of both the NNPP and the APC and some selected Local Government Council Chairmen.
“At the end of the meeting, all the stakeholders reiterated their commitment towards sustaining the peace accord signed and to provide that is for every resident of the state to celebrate Christmas/New Year festivities and to stop panicking on the possibility of breaking down of law and order before and after the Supreme Court verdict on the upcoming Governorship Election Petition.
“By and large, be assured that the joint security agencies in the State will continue to remain committed to providing a safer and more secure environment for everyone to live in peace and for their businesses to strive.”
The CP then disclosed that the leaders also promised to preach and disseminate messages that will help to ensure peace and order in the state.
However, the Chairman of NNPP, Hashimu Dungurawa and the State deputy chairman of APC, Shehu Maigari, disagreed on who was responsible for what happened after the first and second signing of peace accords in the state.
Dungurawa accused the APC members of inciting violence, saying his party and indeed the State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf have been working in tandem with the security to ensure peace.
However, the APC Deputy Chairman, Shehu Maigari, said everyone was aware of who to blame for the loss of lives and the violent protests in the state, adding that his party had nothing to worry about.
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