Abuja, Nigeria - Members of the Concerned Patriots of Nigeria took to the streets on Friday, May 24, to protest against the actions of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf. The demonstrators gathered at both the National Assembly and the Presidential Villa, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the ongoing crisis in the Kano emirate.
The protest followed the governor's controversial decision to dissolve five emirate councils and reinstate Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano. This move, according to the Concerned Patriots of Nigeria, is part of a series of undemocratic and illegal actions taken by Governor Yusuf since he assumed office in May 2023.
Abdullahi Muhammed Saleh, the coordinator of the group, criticized the governor's actions, describing them as an abuse of power aimed at undermining his predecessor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and destabilizing the political structure in Kano. "Since being sworn into office, Governor Abba Yusuf has a string of loutish acts that run like a hardened criminal’s rap sheet," Saleh stated. He added that the governor's actions, including the demolition of properties and meddling in party structures, have impoverished the people and eroded democratic principles.
The group condemned the dissolution of the emirates as a manipulation of the traditional institution for political gains. They accused Governor Yusuf of turning the Kano State House of Assembly into a "rubber stamp" body, thus compromising the autonomy of the legislative arm of government.
In a direct appeal to President Tinubu, the protesters urged him to intervene and restore peace and stability in Kano. They expressed fears that the governor's actions could lead to further unrest and violence in the state. "We are here today to appeal to President Tinubu to intervene in the Kano emirate crisis," Saleh said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The Concerned Patriots of Nigeria called on Governor Yusuf to cease his actions and respect the peace and democratic processes in Kano. They also criticized the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)-dominated state assembly for endorsing what they termed as the governor's "megalomaniac tantrums."
The protest highlighted the broader implications of the governor's actions, warning that continued interference in traditional institutions and political structures could have serious repercussions not only for Kano but for Nigeria as a whole.
President Tinubu has yet to respond to the protesters' demands. The situation in Kano remains tense as citizens and political observers await further developments.
