Coalition Urges President Tinubu’s Intervention To Prevent Upheaval In Kano
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Owing to the current socio-political tension in Kano,the Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum (KPCF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent an eruption of crisis or social upheaval in the ancient city.
In an Open Letter addressed to the President and made available to Journalists, the coalition expressed deep concern over recent developments which it said had heightened political and social tensions in the capital city.
“The Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum(KPCF) a coalition committed to peace, good governance, human rights, democracy and the protection of Kano State’s long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence, writes with deep concern over recent developments that have heightened political and social tensions in the ancient city of Kano,” it said in the Letter which was signed by
the coalition’s three conveners,Hassan Ibrahim Gama, Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma and Peter Hassan Tijjani on behalf of other members of the group.
It also said:”We believe that the situation requires urgent, impartial and preventive intervention by the Federal Government, before the current tensions develop into a wider crisis or social unrest.”
“Kano is a politically active and socially diverse society. Its people have historically demonstrated resilience, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. However, the current political season, combined with the continous happenings surrounding the Kano Emirate, makes any inflammatory statement, actions with provocative tendency, or political confrontation, potentially and imminently dangerous.
“KPCF is deeply concerned about the statement attributed to Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi (Sarkin Dawaki Babba), which we consider unfortunate and particularly concerning at this sensitive period. Public statements by prominent traditional and community figures carry significant influence and should, therefore, be guided by the need to promote peace, unity, tolerance and social cohesion.
“Similarly, a viral video circulating on social media allegedly showed Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, an NDC candidate for the Kano State House of Assembly representing Gwale Constituency, displaying what appeared to be a pump-action rifle during a political gathering or rally in the Janbulo area of Gwale.
“We have also learnt that the Kano State Police Command subsequently invited him for questioning in connection with the alleged incident, reportedly citing possible violations of relevant firearms laws and concerns relating to public peace and security. These allegations remain matters for the appropriate authorities to establish in accordance with due process.
“KPCF emphasizes that, regardless of political affiliation, social status, traditional position or personal differences, public figures, political actors, traditional institutions, religious leaders and community influencers have a shared responsibility to promote peaceful political participation and social cohesion. Language or conduct capable of generating fear, anger, hostility or confrontation should be avoided, particularly as political activities and campaigns intensify,” the coalition said.
It urged all political, traditional, religious and community leaders, as well as their supporters and followers, to exercise the highest level of restraint and responsibility. We call on all stakeholders to refrain from hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric, threats, incitement, intimidation or any statements and actions capable of provoking violence or mobilising citizens against one another.
According to the group, Kano is too important to Nigeria to be allowed to descend into avoidable confrontation, pointing out that the ancient city is a major commercial, cultural, political and social centre whose stability has implications far beyond the State.
It said a crisis in Kano would affect not only its citizens but also neighbouring states and the wider northern region.
“KPCF therefore considers the present moment a critical early-warning stage. We believe that decisive and impartial intervention now can prevent a much more serious crisis later.
“We appeal to Your Excellency, as President and Commander-in-Chief, to use the moral authority and constitutional powers of your office to send a clear message that peace, democratic participation, freedom of expression, respect for traditional institutions, protection of political rights and the rule of law must prevail over political rivalry,” it said.
The coalition urged all parties involved in the dispute to sheathe their swords, avoid provocative statements and actions, and place the peace and stability of Kano above personal, political or institutional interests.
“Kano belongs to all its people. Its peace must not become a casualty of political competition or institutional disagreements.
“The Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum remains committed to working with the Federal and State Governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, political parties and all stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence, democratic participation and respect for the rule of law.
“We respectfully call on Your Excellency to act now, before tension becomes crisis and crisis becomes conflict,” the letter added.