Kano police, led by Commissioner Usaini Gumel, vow to enforce the Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024 amid rising tensions and protests. The law reinstates Muhammadu Sanusi as Emir, but a court has halted its enforcement. Authorities warn miscreants against inciting violence, promising strict action to maintain order.
In a stern warning to miscreants and “enemies of the state,” Usaini Gumel, the Commissioner of Police in Kano, has urged troublemakers to steer clear of the city. His statement comes amid escalating tensions following the State House of Assembly's recent moves to repeal the Emirate Council Law 2019.
The repealed legislation, passed by the house on May 23 and quickly assented to by Governor Abba Yusuf, unified the decentralized emirates and reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi as Emir. However, a federal high court in Kano ordered the state government not to enforce the new Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024, directing all parties to maintain the status quo pending a hearing on the fundamental rights application.
Since the announcement, protests have erupted in various parts of Kano, especially after dethroned Emir Aminu Bayero returned to the state on Saturday. Addressing journalists on Monday, Gumel emphasized the police force's readiness to enforce the law and maintain order.
“Today, we are here to address you on one very key issue that has to do with the security situation in Kano, which the security agencies, as well as you, have been managing since the issue around the chieftaincy affairs arose,” Gumel stated.
He revealed that credible intelligence had identified groups planning to incite violence, particularly targeting the House of Assembly and other significant locations within Kano. Gumel assured that the police can deal with any threats decisively. “We have perfected plans to embark on serious patrols and detection on locations where we were informed that these enemies of the state are hiding,” he said. “We are going to embark on house-to-house searches; anybody who feels he is stronger than the law should try it. Kano will remain safe, and nobody can override the decision.”
The police commissioner also underscored the commitment of security agencies to uphold the law as established by the executive arm of the government.
Meanwhile, Bayero has moved into another palace in Nassarawa LGA and held meetings with state security heads.
