The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano has accused the ruling New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) and some opposition figures of inciting violence during the recent hunger protests in the state.
In a statement signed by APC Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas and Director General of the Tinubu/Shetima, Gawuna/Garo Campaign Council, Alhaji Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi, the party condemned the recent violence.
Abbas criticized Governor Yusuf’s open invitation to protesters to the Government House and his comments undermining the police authority in Kano. He claimed these actions encouraged arson and looting during the protests. “It was undiplomatic for a sitting governor to openly attack the police authority, which has been rendering its duties based on constitutional provisions,” Abbas asserted.
The APC Chairman also accused some opposition figures, including Naja’atu Muhammad, of making inciting comments on the planned national protests. He urged Governor Yusuf not to let personal grudges against the state police commissioner undermine the security of life and property.
Abbas emphasized that politics played a part in the governor’s decision to exploit the situation. “At this trying moment, leaders should direct their energies in dousing tension, not exacerbating it. It is a well-known fact that APC through its National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has called on the organizers of the protest to sheath their swords and adopt a dialogue approach with the Government,” he stated.
