Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State on Wednesday banned all forms of public protest in Kano metropolis and its environs.
The measure was announced in a statement released and signed by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Spokesman to the governor.
The governor directed the Police, the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to enforce the ban immediately.
He also urged security agents not to hesitate to deal decisively with any group or individual engaging in public demonstrations.
The governor further instructed security agents to apprehend, detain, and prosecute any individual or group partaking in demonstrations on the streets of Kano.
The statement reads : “We are privy to credible intelligence indicating that certain prominent figures from the opposition party in Kano have devised plans to sponsor student associations and political agitators from other northwestern states to incite chaos under the guise of advocating for the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.
“The state government has explicitly outlawed protests, demonstrations, or processions of any kind, and individuals found on the streets of Kano engaging in such activities will be promptly apprehended.
“Through this declaration, we caution student groups against being manipulated by troublemakers who are resolute in fomenting disorder in Kano.
The governor urged all citizens of the state to carry on with their normal activities as the state retains its tranquility, and the government will persist in vigilant oversight of the situation to promptly address any individuals or factions trying to undermine the relative peace that state presently enjoys.”
The ban on public protest is coming amid rising concerns that protests could escalate into violence, potentially disturbing peace and public safety. (vitalnewsngr.com)
