Appeal Court Judgment: NNPP Supporters Organise Prayer Amidst Heavy Security In Kano

A similar prayer gathering led to violent protests when the police authorities intervened.

In the wake of the Appeal Court affirmation of the tribunal’s ruling that ousted Abba Yusuf as Kano State governor, tension surged as some supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) gathered for a prayer session in the Dan Agundi area of the state amidst a heavy security presence.

Thursday’s prayer session, perceived as a demonstration against the tribunal’s decision, stirred unrest as clashes erupted between the attendees and law enforcement officers. A similar prayer gathering led to violent protests when the police authorities intervened.

Amidst the uproar, one of the NNPP supporters, who did not want to be named, defended their actions.

“We have the right to pray and protest against injustice. However, under this military-like government, we are being attacked by the police,” he said.

In the wake of the development, the Police Commissioner in Kano Husaini Gumel reiterated that security agencies won’t allow a breakdown of law and order in the North-West state.

“The government house is a primary concern, and we will not permit anyone exploiting the guise of peaceful protest to damage government properties,” he said and also condemned the obstruction of roads.

“If you are truly here to pray, why block roads and set fires, needlessly inconveniencing others? Such behavior will not be tolerated,” the police commissioner added.

Despite the warnings, the NNPP supporters insist their protest is peaceful, adding that it is to “convey our dissent against an unjust decision”.

The Appeal Court last week sacked the Kano governor two months after the judgment of the tribunal ruled that the party breached the Electoral Law by fielding him. According to the court, he was not qualified to contest that poll. It thus declared the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Nasiru Gawuna as the winner of the March governorship election.

Already, the NNPP has approached the Supreme Court to reverse Yusuf’s sack but the APC says the judgment is justice served.