Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former two-term governor of Kano State, has called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Force to steer clear of Kano’s internal matters.
Kwankwaso expressed concern over what he described as unwarranted interference in the affairs of the state, particularly regarding a recent security alert issued by the Kano State Police Command.
The alert, which urged residents to avoid large gatherings due to an alleged terror threat, was issued on the eve of the National Tijjaniyya Sufi Order event, an annual celebration that attracts participants from across Nigeria and other countries.
Kwankwaso, in a statement on his verified Facebook page, noted that the false alarm not only created fear among residents and visitors but also cast doubt on the professionalism of the police.
“I am concerned by a ‘terror alert’ from the Kano State Police Command on the eve of the event. This alert, not only jeopardised the success of the gathering, but put the lives of the people of the state at risk by creating palpable fear among the people of Kano, those that came from other countries and parts of Nigeria.
“Such conduct by the police, which has already been marked as a willing partner for the Federal Government in its habitual dabbling into the affairs of Kano State further puts its integrity in doubt.
“Issuing a threat alert of this magnitude, which later turns out to be false sets a dangerous precedent. I am afraid that it will lead to people to be complacent in the event of a genuine threat in the future.
“Due to the international nature of the event, the conduct of the police leadership in Kano also leaves a bad impression of the Nigeria Police Force globally.
“I urge the Police Force in Kano to be professional and avoid being identified as deeply partisan in the affairs of Kano State and in other parts of the country.
“For the umpteenth time, I also urge the Federal Government to avoid dragging itself into unpleasant situations by further putting its hands in affairs that are strictly under the jurisdiction of the good people of Kano State and its government,” Kwankwaso, however, stated.
The Kano State Government had earlier rejected the terror alert, dismissing it as a ploy to disrupt the event. Despite the initial fear caused by the alert, the event proceeded with participants from various regions and countries gathering to celebrate the annual Maulud of Sheikh Ibrahim Inyass.
