Reactions have followed the Kano State governor’s call to remove Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, the state’s police commissioner.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf condemned the state commissioner of police and his personnel for their withdrawal from the 65th Independence Day parade held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, describing the action as partisan and disrespectful to the people of Kano.
Addressing the crowd gathered to mark the national event, Governor Yusuf expressed disappointment that the police commissioner and his personnel withdrew from participating in the parade at the last minute, describing it as “unethical and partisan behaviour.”
“As the chief security officer of Kano State, on behalf of the government, we are not happy with this attitude of the commissioner of police.
“On this historic day, when Nigerians and peace-loving people of Kano came out to celebrate our nation’s independence, the Commissioner of Police chose to absent himself and his men from the parade. This attitude is not only partisan but disloyal to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the governor declared.
Governor Yusuf urged security agencies in Kano and across the country to steer clear of partisan politics, stressing that their loyalty must remain with the Constitution and the Nigerian people.
He pointed out that the peaceful disposition of Kano residents was evident during the celebration, and such should not be undermined by acts capable of breeding division.
“Security agencies must commit themselves to unity and professionalism. No one can dictate to Nigerians how to exercise their rights or celebrate their nation. Kano people want peace, progress, and the prosperity of Nigeria,” he said.
The governor also announced his intention to write a formal petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for the removal of the state commissioner.
“We call respectfully on him to remove the Commissioner from the Kano situation,” he said.
Despite the controversy, the governor praised other security agencies that participated in the Independence Day parade, thanking them for their excellent service and commitment to national unity, and assuring them of his administration’s continued support.
He concluded by appreciating the state’s people for turning out in large numbers to celebrate Nigeria’s independence, reiterating his administration’s dedication to peace, unity, and development.
The governor used his pilot car during the parade ceremony without the police escort that would typically accompany such events.
The police commissioner, CP Bakori, promised to respond to the press when his phone was called to discuss the matter, but he did not until the time of filing this report.
Dungurawa Urges Governor, Police Commissioner to Resolve Differences for Kano’s Stability
The chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, has called on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Kano State Police Commissioner to put aside their differences in the interest of peace and progress of the state.
Dungurawa, who was reacting to the controversy surrounding the Police Commissioner’s absence during the Independence Day celebrations, said the development was unfortunate and could strain relations between the state government and security agencies.
“As the state’s chief security officer, the governor should naturally feel offended not seeing the commissioner on such an important occasion. Equally, we do not know what kept the commissioner away. Both sides may have their reasons, but it is important for them to sit down, iron out their differences and find common ground,” he stated.
The NNPP chairman warned that continued disagreements between the two leaders could negatively affect the state.
“If they operate on different pages, definitely Kano will suffer. Whatever happens under their watch should be in favour of the state, not otherwise.”
Dungurawa stressed that his concern was not partisan but strictly about the well-being of Kano.
“I am more for the state than the governor or the police commissioner. What matters is the peace, security, and progress of Kano State. We must pray and encourage them to exercise patience, show leadership and work together for the betterment of our people,” he added.
CSOs Express Concern Over Kano Police CP’s Alleged Partisanship
Two prominent Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have expressed concern over the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori’s alleged partisanship. This was evident in his absence and the withdrawal of police personnel during the 65th Independence Day celebration in Kano.
Reacting to the development, the leader of CSOs, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said this in an interview with LEADERSHIP.
He said the action not only raised concern but was also condemnable, stating:
“We cannot play politics with the security of life and property of the people.”
“This is not the first time that the Kano State governor has faced challenges with the police because Abuja politicians have consistently undermined his effectiveness. They are determined to ensure that the Kano State governor fails to play his role as the state’s chief security officer.”
“And this is why some people are justifying state police, because you cannot have a police force that cannot work with the state governor. You know, a state governor is elected by the people and should be the chief security officer under our law. However, because of some people’s determination, the governor cannot control the security challenges in Kano.”
“This is deliberate and, regrettably, you are playing with security in the name of differences between parties. And, you know, since this crisis of Emirship tussle started, some people in the federal government have taken a position and are determined to make sure that they continue to create this division by recognising, against the constitution, which gives power to the state governor to be in charge of traditional rulers in the state.”
“So it’s not today; it’s just that it’s further exposing the politics of security and insecurity in Nigeria because of personal interests. This is an obvious statement that some people in the federal government are determined to ensure that the state does not have control of security.”
“If there’s no cooperation, coordination, collaboration and support for the governor by the security agencies, it’s a clear call for concern. This is condemned because we cannot play politics with the security of life and property of the people.”
Kano Is Calm
A calm and peaceful atmosphere prevails in Kano as residents hustle and bustle daily, even as the state marked the Independence Day celebration at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
LEADERSHIP’s checks around the city revealed fewer vehicle movements on the roads, except for commercial vehicles, because of the holiday.
However, security personnel were strategically positioned to forestall any breakdown of law and order, and markets and shops were open for business.
A resident, Mrs Janet Haruna, a food vendor at the Farm Centre, told our reporter that she was out and not resting during the break because the market opens for business daily.
On her call to the federal government on Independence Day, she urged the government to further help the masses by lowering the price of food to make it affordable for the less privileged.
