The Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the growing political and institutional tensions in Kano State. In a letter titled, “Kano at a Crossroads: An Urgent Call for Immediate Presidential Intervention to Prevent Crisis and Social Upheaval,” the coalition urged stakeholders to engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation. The letter was signed by the coalition’s conveners, Hassan Ibrahim Gama, Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma, and Peter Hassan Tijjani.
The coalition expressed concern over a viral video showing Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, a candidate for Gwale Constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly, displaying a pump-action rifle at a political gathering. The Kano State Police Command had invited Warkal for questioning over the incident. The CSOs stressed that the circumstances surrounding the video are subject to investigation and due process. They urged politicians, traditional rulers, and influential community figures to avoid inflammatory statements and actions.
The coalition called on security agencies to monitor developments and take preventive measures against violence, intimidation, hate speech, and property destruction. They advised political appointees to exercise restraint in matters related to the Kano Emirate dispute, particularly issues currently before the courts. The group emphasized the need to respect judicial proceedings and decisions while ensuring that disagreements are addressed through lawful and peaceful channels.
The CSOs proposed an inclusive peace dialogue involving the federal and Kano State governments, traditional institutions, political parties, security agencies, and civil society organisations. This dialogue aims to promote understanding among stakeholders and encourage peaceful resolution of conflicts. The coalition also urged political parties to focus their campaigns on governance, development, and public welfare rather than issues that could deepen divisions among residents.
The coalition noted that Kano’s commercial, cultural, and political significance makes peace in the state crucial to the wider region and the country. They described the current tensions as an opportunity for early preventive action, urging the President and other stakeholders to prioritize dialogue before disagreements escalate. The group emphasized that timely intervention by the President could encourage restraint among political and community leaders.
The CSOs called on political and community leaders to uphold peace, democratic participation, and the rule of law as political activities intensify in the state. They also urged equal protection for all parties, candidates, and supporters, alongside investigations into reported cases of damage to campaign posters, billboards, and other political materials. Anyone found responsible for violence or unlawful conduct should be held accountable, regardless of political or traditional affiliation.
Copies of the letter were sent to key national security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, and the National Intelligence Agency. The coalition concluded by emphasizing the importance of peace in Kano State and the need for collective action to prevent further escalation of tensions.
Key points
- The Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum urges President Bola Tinubu to intervene in Kano State's political tensions.
- The coalition proposes an inclusive peace dialogue to promote understanding among stakeholders.
- The group emphasizes the need to respect judicial proceedings and decisions in the Kano Emirate dispute.
