Governorship Campaign:Kano Govt Cautions Against Hate Speech, Provocation
By Abdullahi Yusuf
As the governorship election campaign officially commenced on Wednesday, the Kano State Government has urged political actors to avoid hate speech, provocation, character assassination and destruction of property.
The government also urged the politicians to shun any action capable of disturbing the peace of the state.
The call was made through a press conference addressed by the Spokesperson of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf,Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday.
“Today marks the official commencement of the 2027 governorship campaign, providing political parties and candidates with an opportunity to present their programmes, achievements and visions to the people of Kano State and their constituencies.
“On behalf of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, we assure the people of Kano State that our campaign will be peaceful, issue-based and focused on the development, unity and prosperity of the state.
“We urge all political actors to avoid hate speech, provocation, character assassination, destruction of property and any action capable of disturbing the peace of the state, that has been relatively peaceful.
“Our supporters are equally urged to remain disciplined, respect opposing views and refuse to be provoked into actions that could undermine peace and public order of the state.
“Let us compete on the basis of ideas, policies, records and programmes and other important items rather than insults, intimidation or violence,” Dawakin Tofa said.
According to him,the people of the state deserve a campaign where candidates explain what they intend to do differently and how they will improve the lives of the citizens.
He called on media practitioners, conventional media bloggers and social media users to play their important role responsibly by verifying information before publication and avoiding the spread of fake news, rumours,inflammatory contents and any misinformation capable of disturbing the peace of the state.
He also urged security agencies to remain professional, impartial and vigilant throughout the campaign period, while political parties and campaign organisations should cooperate with them and comply with all lawful requirements.
The governor’s spokesperson assured that the State Government would continue to discharge its responsibilities and deliver services to the people regardless of the political season.
“Our commitment to development and good governance remains unwavering under the leadership of Governor Yusuf.
“Kano is bigger than any political party or individual. Political competition will come and go, but we will continue to live together as one people after the election.
“We therefore appeal to all candidates to join hands in protecting the peace and unity of Kano irrespective of difference in political parties.
“Let us campaign with respect, compete with ideas, disagree without violence and put the interest of Kano above political differences,” he said
He prayed that APC candidates would win all positions to be contested for during the forthcoming elections.