The ruling New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) and the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) signed a peace accord once more ahead of the Supreme Court’s decision on the Kano State gubernatorial election contest. This agreement stated that both parties would accept the ruling of the nation’s highest court without violating any laws or orders.
Political parties and politicians have been cautioned by the state’s joint security agencies, which include the Nigeria Police, Army, Customs, Immigration, Air Force, and other security personnel, not to incite or cause chaos during or after the Supreme Court ruling. Instead, they are being advised to reconsider, as combined forces are on high alert.
This was revealed by state commissioner of police Mr. Muhammad Husani Gumel in a press conference on behalf of the combined forces following a security meeting with NNPP and APC representatives on Friday.
“Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, ladies and gentlemen, once again, you are cordially invited to Bompai, the Headquarters of Kano State Police Command. We are honouring our commitment to provide you with regular updates on the state of security, particularly with regard to the safety and security of life and property.” the speaker said.
“We have also mapped out robust strategies to deal with any plan to bring restiveness in the State,” the speaker said of the joint security forces.
Conversely, he continued, the state’s stance on the combined security agency was made quite evident.
“Protecting people and property is a top priority for all security agencies. They should also try to identify any anonymous groups that may be attempting to disturb the current state of peace or advise them to lay down their weapons since the combined security agencies have shed the essential light on their actions.
Additionally, we have developed strong plans to counter any attempt to incite unrest throughout the State.
We therefore demand that anyone or any group found to be involved in activities that could disturb the peace in the State cease immediately or face legal repercussions.
He went on, “And to explain further the security preparations ahead of Christmas/New Year festivities, and in particular the Supreme Court Verdict on the Kano State Governorship Election Petition.”
As to his statement, it will be “remembered that the police command had suitably addressed several schemes by certain anonymous political pressure groups who are determined to instigate unrest and prevent the State’s overall security situation from being exceptionally tranquil as it currently stands.”
Nonetheless, we must respect and honour the leadership of the NNPP and the APC for continuing to uphold the terms of the peace agreement for the third time since they both pledged to maintain law and order throughout the entire state.
“The heads of the joint security agencies met today, Friday, December 8, 2023, at this police headquarters. There, the security situation was reviewed and security measures that were decided upon to be implemented were discussed in order to guarantee that there would be no breakdown of law and order prior to, during, or following the State Governorship Supreme Court Verdict.
The meeting also covered some new security issues with the APC and NNPP leadership, as well as a few chosen local government council chairs.
At the conclusion of the meeting, all parties involved reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the peace agreement reached, allowing all state residents to enjoy the holidays and New Year’s celebrations, and to cease worrying about the potential for law and order to collapse both before and after the Supreme Court’s decision on the upcoming petition for the governorship.
“Generally speaking, rest assured that the State’s joint security agencies are dedicated to maintaining a more secure and safe environment where people can live in harmony and grow their businesses.”
The CP went on to reveal that the leaders also pledged to preach and spread ideas that will support maintaining law and order in the state.
On who was in charge of what transpired following the first and second peace accords in the state, Hashimu Dungurawa, the chairman of the NNPP, and Shehu Maigari, the state deputy chairman of the APC, disagreed.
Dungurawa said that the State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, and his party had been collaborating with the security forces to maintain peace, accusing the APC members of encouraging violence.
Shehu Maigari, the deputy chairman of the APC, countered that his party had nothing to fear, saying that everyone knew who was to responsible for the deaths and the violent protests in the state.
