Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has openly supported the nationwide hardship protest scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024.
He assured his support to the peaceful citizens and vowed to personally meet the protesters at Government House on Thursday.
Governor Yusuf, at a stakeholders meeting held at the Government House on Wednesday, stressed the democratic right of Nigerians to protest, but urged the youths to carry out their demonstrations peacefully.
“For us, protest is a democratic right of every citizen. I want the protesters to take out their procession carefully because some criminal elements are planning to hijack the protest. If you take out a peaceful procession, I will welcome you and if you wish, I will join you.”
The police knock
The governor has supported the protest amid growing concerns over the role of security agencies in handling civil unrest. Governor Yusuf expressed disappointment with the Nigeria Police Force and accused them of insubordination and not complying with the directives of the state government.
“I cannot understand why the security agencies, especially the police, do not obey our orders,” he said. “When we tell them to do this or that, they tell us they got orders from 'above'. Who is 'above'? I am the chief security officer in the state. If you have a problem with that, go and change the Nigerian constitution.”
As the protests escalated, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, also weighed in, urging the government to take concrete steps to alleviate the economic hardships of the people. “We must find appropriate ways to help the needy and ensure that what is being given to them reaches them,” the Emir said during the meeting.
The ensuing protests have sparked debate among various groups, with some groups supporting it as a means to address the country's economic challenges, while others advocate dialogue to prevent law and order from deteriorating.
(tagstotranslate)Governor Abba Yusuf II(N)NNPP
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