July 31, 2024
Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf and the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Wednesday, July 31, called on the planners of the proposed nationwide protest slated for August 1 to suspend any demonstration and instead, submit their demands before the authorities for possible actions.
The governor spoke at Africa House of Government House, Kano, during his meeting with traditional rulers and the business community, with Emir Sanusi in attendance.
Yusuf emphasised that protests would not yield the desired results, stating “protests will not take us anywhere.”
Emir Sanusi, while speaking on the proposed nationwide protest, advised the youth to desist from the planned protest, pointing out that the planners were faceless.
The monarch said he had heard of the planned protest in the media that protesters would begin the protest near his palace, saying but he did not know or heard from the planners or sponsors, adding that such demonstrations were dangerous to join.
Governor Yusuf said the protest planners in Kano should submit their demands to him, promising “when the demands are submitted to me I will personally convey them to President Bola Tinubu.”
Yusuf added: “I will mobilise a special delegation from the state comprising of traditional rulers, businessmen and Ulamas to deliver all your demands to President Bola Tinubu.
“Given the economic position of Kano in Nigeria and the African continent, protests especially violent ones, will destabilise peace and worsen the economy.”
Governor Yusuf who acknowledged the constitutional rights of peaceful protests, warned against violent protest in Kano, urging those planning to protest to shelve it and show themselves.
He said his administration had introduced numerous interventions to cushion the economic hardship adding that more measures would be unveiled to turn around the economy and create jobs.
Governor Yusuf called on the business community to help intervene in the current economic challenges by reducing prices of commodities.
He announced plans to establish an agency on price control in the state.
“We will do it, in collaboration with the business community for the benefit of the people of state”, the governor said.
Yusuf highlighted the state government’s efforts towards implementing policies and programmes aimed at enhancing the well-being of the masses.
“We are united in our quest for positive change that will yield the desired objectives of peace, progress and political stability.
“However, I must emphasise that the social media has a negative impact by allowing the abuse of leaders, which will not help us achieve our goals.
“This must stop, as it will only hinder our progress. We are facing a critical situation of hunger and other challenges, and we must work together to address them constructively.
“Our administration is currently sponsoring over 1,000 students pursuing various courses in foreign countries.
“We are also actively working to empower women and combat poverty in the state through a monthly programme which has already benefited over 5,000 women with a monthly stipend of N5,000, totaling over N260 million.
”I am urging the residents to maintain peace and avoid any actions that could lead to unrest.
“We will not condone any form of violence or destructive behavior. The destruction of government property and looting of shops will not be tolerated”, he said.
The governor urged those who wished to exercise their right to protest to refrain from engaging in any behaviour that could be exploited by agents of destruction.
The governor disclosed that he had gathered credible intelligence that certain disgruntled individuals were recruiting thugs to incite trouble in the state.
”I assure you that the government will not tolerate such actions.
”Instead, I extend an invitation to those who wish to demonstrate to come to the Government House, where I will be happy to listen to their grievances and engage in constructive dialogue,” Governor Yusuf said.
