The Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the rising political and institutional tension in Kano State. The coalition, in a letter to Tinubu, warned that the situation could degenerate into a wider crisis if not addressed. The letter, jointly signed by its conveners, Hassan Ibrahim Gama, Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma, and Peter Hassan Tijjani, was also copied to various security agencies and authorities in Kano.
The CSOs expressed concern over the increasing political disagreements, inflammatory rhetoric, and tensions in Kano State, which they believe could escalate into violence. They drew attention to a viral video showing Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, a candidate for the Kano State House of Assembly, displaying a pump-action rifle at a political gathering. Warkal was reportedly invited by the Kano State Police Command for questioning over the incident.
The coalition stressed that the circumstances surrounding the video and any alleged offence remained matters for the relevant authorities to establish in accordance with due process. They called on political actors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community influencers to exercise restraint as political activities intensify. The CSOs urged stakeholders to avoid hate speech, threats, intimidation, inflammatory statements, and actions capable of provoking violence.
The coalition specifically asked Tinubu to direct security and intelligence agencies to monitor developments in Kano State and take preventive measures against violence and destruction of property. They also appealed to political appointees at the Federal and state levels to avoid unnecessary involvement in the Kano Emirate dispute, particularly issues before the courts.
The CSOs urged all parties to respect judicial proceedings and decisions concerning the Emirate dispute. They further called for equal protection of political parties, candidates, and their supporters, including investigations into the destruction of campaign posters, billboards, and other political materials. The coalition proposed an inclusive peace dialogue involving the Federal and Kano State governments, traditional institutions, political parties, security agencies, religious leaders, youths, women, and civil society groups.
According to the group, political campaigns should focus on governance and development rather than personalities, traditional institutions, and issues capable of dividing residents. The coalition warned that instability in Kano could have consequences beyond the state due to its importance as a commercial, cultural, and political centre in northern Nigeria.
The coalition described the situation as an “early-warning stage”, insisting that preventive action could avert a more serious crisis. They urged Tinubu to use his constitutional powers and moral authority to promote peace, democratic participation, freedom of expression, and respect for the rule of law. The group also appealed to all sides to “sheathe their swords” and place the stability of Kano above political and institutional interests.
Key points
- The Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in rising tensions in Kano State.
- The coalition warned of potential crisis if tensions in Kano State are not addressed.
- The group proposed an inclusive peace dialogue to promote peace and stability in Kano State.
