Kano, Nigeria – June 16, 2024
The Kano State Government has raised serious concerns about the actions of the State Police Command, accusing it of repeatedly disregarding the “legitimate instructions” of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who is the Chief Security Officer of the state.
During a press conference held at the Government House in Kano on Saturday, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Isah Dederi, expressed frustration over the Police Commissioner’s unilateral decisions. Dederi questioned, “Who is usurping the authority of the Commander-in-Chief? Some people are dishing out directives to security chiefs in the State so much so that the State Police Commissioner without any consultation with the Chief Security Officer of the State or approval from the State Security Council had issued an order banning Eid-el-Kabir festivities in Kano State.”
Dederi continued, “How can anybody in his right senses ban Sallah festivities in Kano? When did the State Governor cease to be the Chief Security Officer of the State that he will only see such ban on social media? Who is pushing the State Commissioner of Police to usurp the authority of the Governor? It is important to stress that the Commissioner of Police has been consistent in disobeying the legitimate instructions of the Governor as Chief Security Officer, hiding behind orders from above. I ask again, what is the offence of Kano people that the Nigeria Police penciled them for destruction?”
The tension between the state government and the police escalated after the Federal High Court in Kano upheld the fundamental rights of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, who was dethroned by the previous administration. Responding to this judgement, Dederi clarified that the government did not infringe on the former emir’s rights.
He stated, “The Federal High Court No.3, Kano, had passed judgement in respect of the matter before it where it held that certain fundamental rights of the deposed emir were infringed upon including putting him under house arrest. We are mindful of the fact that whatever judgement is pronounced by a court of law; any party that is dissatisfied has the option of appealing against the judgement. Indeed, our team of lawyers is critically studying the judgement of that court with a view to appealing against it. This is because in our view, no fundamental right of the former emir was infringed.”
Dederi explained that the former emir’s stay at Gidan Nassarawa was voluntary and not an instance of house arrest. He also emphasized the Governor’s constitutional duty to maintain peace and security, which justified the arrest order given the potential threat posed by the former emir’s entourage.
“First, no one forced him into Gidan Nassarawa, belonging to the government of Kano State. He went in there and stayed there on his own volition accompanied by security guards. Therefore, no one put him under house arrest. Secondly, it is known by everyone that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of the State is the Chief Security Officer of the State. He has the constitutional duty to ensure the protection of lives and properties of the people of Kano State,” Dederi elaborated.
The Attorney General concluded by urging the public to understand the complexities involved and reiterated the state government’s commitment to upholding peace and security.
In a related development, the Police had recently announced a ban on Durbar activities during the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir festivities. The Police Spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, stated that the combined security agencies are ensuring public safety, advising against cultural displays, weapons, or insignia representing Durbar from any traditional stool contenders. He assured that security measures are in place to ensure low-key and peaceful Eid celebrations.
As the dispute unfolds, it raises significant questions about the balance of power between state authorities and federal law enforcement agencies, highlighting the need for clear communication and cooperation to maintain public order and respect constitutional mandates.