Kano State Governor, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, sensationally threw his weight behind the planned protests against economic hardship in Nigeria, scheduled to begin on Thursday, August 1, 2024, promising to join the demonstrations so long they are peaceful.
The governor, who was speaking at a stakeholders meeting at Government House on Wednesday, however, vowed to personally receive demonstrators at the Government House on Thursday, assuring that he and his government would support peace-loving citizens and peaceful protesters.
He went a bit further saying that he would not only receive the protesters at Government House, he would also join them if they so wish.
“For us, protest is a democratic right of every citizen,” he declared. “I want the protesters to carry out their procession with caution, as some criminal elements plan to hijack the protest. If you embark on a peaceful procession, I will receive you, and if you wish, I’ll join you.”
Governor Yusuf’s declaration came on the heels of persistent pleas and warnings to the impending protesters to either shelve the demonstrations or keep it peaceful.
The governor reviewed the roles and track record of the country’s security agencies in handling civil unrest, and expressed frustration with the Nigeria Police Force, whom he accused of gross insubordination, and refusal to follow his government’s directives.
“I can’t understand why the security agencies, especially the police, will not obey our orders,” he fumed. “When we tell them to do this or that, they will tell us they received an order from ‘above.’ Who is the ‘above’? I am the chief security officer in the state. If you have a problem with that, go and change the Nigerian constitution.”
The 16th Emir of Kano and former Central Bank Governor, Muhammadu Sanusi II, also weighed in on the matter during the Townhall Meeting. He urged the federal government to take concrete steps to alleviate the economic difficulties faced by the people.
“We must find proper ways to help the needy and ensure that what is given to them reaches them,” the Emir said.
