Aminu Abdullahi

KanoPeace Committee (KPC) has commended Kano State Commissioner of Police in-charge of 2023 general elections in Kano, Muhammad Yakubu for his unwavering resolve to tackling political violence and thuggery in the state.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Kano State Police Command under the watch of CP Yakubu, has in recent times, arrested and prosecuted a number of high profile politicians in various political parties in the state for their alleged involvement in political violence in the state.

In a letter entitled: “KANO PEACE COMMITTEE APPRECIATES YOUR BOLD STEP TO TACKLE POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND THUGGERY IN KANO STATE AND YOU CAN COUNT ON OUR SUPPORT,” and addressed to CP Yakubu, the KPC passed a vote of confidence on the Police boss and declared their support to his giant strides.

The letter jointly signed by KPC Co-chairman, Right Rev. Dr. John Namaza Niyiring, Bishop, Kano Catholic Dioceses and the Head of Secretariat, Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, was copied to the Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 1, Office of the National Security Advisor, the Emir of Kano.

The letter dated March 3, 2023 and made available to KANO FOCUS reads: “The Kano Peace Committee (KPC) was established to facilitate peace in Kano State especially before, during and after elections. The Committee facilitated and organized the 1st and 2nd signing of the Peace Accord, in collaboration with the National Peace Committee, before the conduct of the 2019 general elections in the State.

“Similarly, on the 18th January 2023, the Kano Peace Committee (KPC) in partnership with the National Peace Committee (NPC) with support from United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) organized the high level town-hall meeting with stakeholders and signing of the 2023 1st peace accord with 8 gubernatorial candidates in presence, to consolidate on the process for a concerted efforts to promote peace and to further enhance the interest of the citizens to participate in peace promotion efforts and ensure a peaceful conduct of all elections in 2023.

“Unfortunately, the Kano Peace Committee (KPC) closely observed that, the Kano Peace Accord signed by 8 political parties’ gubernatorial candidates in the State, was grossly violated by some political parties’ supporters through violent conflicts in many places even before the commencement of the elections.

“It is our opinion that, political violence were orchestrated through the handwork of some highly placed politicians who had always considered themselves above the law.

“The Kano Peace Committee, had at number of occasions called on the security agencies to intervene by arresting such highly political personalities to serve as deterrent to the younger ones, but unfortunately nothing of such was practically seen to have been done, even though there were reported cases of incidents that were alleged to have claimed the lives of some innocent persons. The most prominently reported case was that of Rimin Kebe quarters of Nassarawa LGA, which claimed the life of an innocent young boy by the alleged supporters of the candidate seeking election for the House of Representatives.

“The Kano Peace Committee (KPC), is of the opinion that action must be matched with talking. While we have been doing the talk, we had for long expected actions from the security agencies, like what you have now started.

“Therefore, while we appreciate your bold step through your unbiased approach to prevail on this long overdue ugly development in the State.

We request you not to succumb to any pressure from within or outside the State to compromise on the professional ethics and rules.

“The arrest and prosecution of some highly placed politicians and the ongoing investigation against others, is a well commendable effort. As we encourage you to continue to uphold the best practices of professional conduct. We wish to assure you that, the prayers of the good people of Kano would continue to be with you.

“This selfless service to the people of Kano and Nigeria at large, would not only make you a proud citizen of Nigeria, but shall also enable the citizens to support you through credible and reliable intelligence to further perform your duty more successfully. This is because, the unbiased approach of your command to contain the ugly political development in the State, has not only restored the public trust on the security agencies, but has also rebuilt the confidence and hope of the Kano citizens to have a hitch free second elections in the State coming up on the 11th of March, 2023.

“We therefore wish to, on behalf of the membership and leadership of the Kano Peace Committee, commend you on the arrests so far made of the suspected perpetrators and mastermind of some political violent attacks, especially that of Doguwa and Tudun Wada, as such incident was too unimaginable to happen in a responsible human society.

“We therefore beseech you to embark on a flush out operation to rid Kano of all potential political thugs that may hamper the security and safety of the Kano citizens, especially as the second elections for Governorship and State Assembly is fast approaching.

“Finally, the Kano Peace Committee is also assuring you of a total support and shall be available for you, should there be the need for that. It is our humble belief that, no group or individual should be seen acting above the law, regardless of any political party inclination or social background.”