…Says 24-hrs curfew remain
By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman
The Kano State Government has issued a stern warning to politicians attempting to exploit peaceful protests for their gains.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service today, the state Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, expressed deep concern over the recent incidents where legitimate demonstrations were hijacked by unscrupulous individuals with political motives.
He emphasized the state government’s unwavering commitment to the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest but stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly.
He warned that any attempt to incite violence, damage property, or disrupt public order under the guise of protest will not be tolerated.
According to him, the state government will take decisive action against anyone found culpable of such acts.
Meanwhile, security agencies have been directed to remain vigilant and to ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens during protests.
His words: “About 40 or 50 per cent of the items stolen have been recovered. I will use this medium to thank the state’s residents for their cooperation with the security agencies during the operation exercise.
“We’ve solid facts and stout evidence of the politicians who sponsored thugs to hijack the peaceful demonstration and we’ll take legal action against them.”
However, the deputy governor has further disclosed that the 24-hour curfew still exists, adding that it will be lifted when the state government receive a security report suggesting doing so.
The government urged the public to be wary of individuals with hidden agenda and to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.