Governor Yusuf, Kano Hunger Protest and the Rest of Us, by Usman S. Sarki, PhD.
By Usman Suleiman Sarki,
As enshrined in the constitution, the primary objective of the government is to ensure the protection of lives and property. However, one may be forced to think otherwise, particularly in Kano State, looking at how events unfolded in the ancient northern city during the just-happened hardship protests.
The current administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has no doubt demonstrated incompetence in containing acts of vandalism during the protests. Under its nose, hoodlums burnt down critical infrastructure in Kano metropolis, while also vandalizing and looting public and private properties.
Recalled that in the first quarter of his administration, youths engaged in intimidating of people and carting away items during the demolition of structures at different locations including Kofar Mata Eid ground, Daula Hotel, Salanta Quarters among others.
Meanwhile , it is still fresh in our minds when the same Governor banned any forms of demonstration including protests during the wake of emirship tussle in the state after scraping four of the five Emirates created by the past administration.
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Similarly, when the same Government had mobilised and stationed thugs at Kofar Kudu Emir’s palace in the pretext of providing security to reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. However, police and other personnel from sister agencies should have been deployed in order to follow the due process in the palace instead of using the police and other security personnel from sister agencies.
Subject to aforementioned, it was surprising when, the Governor made a public speech accusing the state police command of receiving orders from above and not taking instructions from him. Though that might not be the truth of the matter when looking at recent declaration of 24 hours curfew in the metropolis by his government which is being fully enforced by the state police command.
Even though that Clerics and other stakeholders have urged the youths to desist from partaking in the nationwide protest due to the unintended consequences, but Governor Yusuf publicly declared his support for the demonstration and extended an invitation to the intending protesters by promising to welcome them at the to Government House and this has really boost their morale.
Notwithstanding, Gov Yusuf was forced to impose a 24-hour curfew when the peaceful protest was hijacked by miscreants who engaged in vandalizing and looting of critical infrastructure belonging to both government and private individuals.
Amazingly, after the serious damages caused by the protesters, Governor Abba accused some leaders and other stakeholders of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) for mobilising and sponsoring youths to engage in such heinous acts capable of undermining the fragile peace and security in the state.
Nonetheless, this action demonstrated by the Governor and his inability to handle pressure at critical situations has clearly exposed his poor leadership skills and experiences.
Dr. Usman Suleiman Sarki
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