An APC chieftain and former Commissioner for Rural and community development, under Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje administration, Musa Ilyasu Kwankwaso, has accused New Nigeria people’s party NNPP of instigating political violence in Kano State after the Appeal Court judgement.
Kwankwaso addressed a press conference on Thursday after a series of protests hit the state on Wednesday, but a chieftain of the NNPP rebuffed the allegation.
NNPP supporters in Kano had staged protests at various locations in the state, demanding “restoration of mandate voided by election petition tribunal.”
Kwankwaso said the NNPP and Kwankwasiyya movement had spread false claims, sponsoring protests and rallies to create a picture of a tensed atmosphere in violation of the peace accord the two parties signed.
“This is in violation of the peace accord that was signed at the police command recently, part of which has banned such assemblies.
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“I wish to state in clear terms that the peace and tranquility enjoyed in Kano, with everyone going about their daily business, is a testament that it is not true that there is any tension in the state,” he explained.
Kwankwaso said the protests were stage-managed and intended to create tension in the state and make it look like all was not well.
The former Commissioner asked the NNPP led government in the state to stop wasting the meagre resources to sponsor protests and wait for the judgement of the Supreme Court.
Kwankwaso described NNPP’s request for intervention from the United States, European Union and African Union as a waste of resources and chasing shadows.
NNPP acting National Chairman, Abba Kawu Ali, had led protesters on Wednesday to the embassies of US, EU and AU in Abuja, seeking their intervention in Kano election verdict.
He accused the tribunal of compromising the judgement, adding that the certified true copy of Appeal Court ruling affirmed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf validly won the March 18 governorship election in the state.
Dismissing Kwankwaso’s allegation, an NNPP chieftain in the state, Abdullahi Maikanon, said protest is a constitutionally guaranteed right of every citizen.
He alleged that the former commissioner got monetary benefits anytime he falsely accused NNPP and Kwankwasiyya movement.
“It is our constitutional right to protest. Besides we had presence of DSS, police and other security agencies during the protest and no intention whatsoever to instigate crisis,” he said.
Maikanon said Kano residents and pro democracy groups as well as some civil society organisations were not happy with the verdict of the court upturning the popular will of the people in the state.
“That is why the intervention of the US, EU and others is sought to right the wrong,” he added.
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