Following the declaration of Dr. Nasiru Gawuna of the APC as the winner of the Governorship election in Kano State on Wednesday by the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Kano, some supporters of the NNPP have taken to the streets protesting the judgment.
The Judgment which was conducted virtually was delivered by the three-man panel chaired by Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay.
The youths who defied the heavy security personnel presence deployed to some major streets in the city,were said to have blocked club road in the metropolis chanting Kano Sai Abba Gida Gida.
As a result of the protests, shop owners who earlier opened for business, had to close their shops in order to avoid possible attack from the aggrieved youths.
It was learnt that the quick arrival of the policemen saved the situation from degenerating into a full blown protest as the policemen were said to have dispersed the protesters.
As at the time of filing this report around 4:58 pm, there was no report of any violence or protests in other parts of the city.
Recall that the Kano State Police Command had earlier warned supporters of the two political parties against protests over the outcome of the election petition tribunal in the state.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party and the All Progressives Congress have reportedly prepared crowds to protest the outcome of the tribunal.
NNPP had mobilized its members from across the state to march from the Kofar Nassarawa City Center to Government House to protest what they termed moves to snatch their victory by the APC.
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However, in response, the opposition APC, through its spokesperson, Ahmad Aruwa, issued a statement asking members to come out en-mass to counter the NNPP.
However, in a statement signed by the State Commissioner, Muhammad Gumel, he said, “in consideration of the confirmatory intelligence products at the disposal of this Police Command, all forms of street protests are hereby banned across all parts of the State.
“Members of the public should therefore note that it has come to our knowledge that both the APC and the NNPP members are currently mobilizing rented crowds in the guise of Civil Society Coalition and without clearance from the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and without prior approval from the security agencies in the state.
“Both organizers as well as the umbrella body should note that any attempt to disrespect NLC and the Security Agencies in the state, by playing around the fragile security situation, which the combined security agencies have been managing, is not only uncivil, criminal but also an offense against National Security.”
Gumel said the police command is grateful for the enormous support and cooperation it has been enjoying from the good people of the State for the peace, security, stability and the overall interest of all residents.
Similarly, Federal Road Safety Corps, Kano State Command, had also charged supporters of both parties to resist the temptation of wild celebrations during and after tribunal judgment especially with vehicles or causing any form of obstruction on the roads
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Abdullahi Labaran and issued to newsmen Tuesday night, said the Sector Commander, Ibrahim Sallau Abdullahi made the call ahead of the judgment of the Governorship Election petition Tribunal on Wednesday, 20th September, 2023
He said wild celebrations that will cause breach of traffic rules and regulations which may result in obstruction of the highways and road traffic crashes will not be allowed and perpetrators Will be visited with the full wrath of the law
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He warned that FRSC and other security agencies will resist reckless driving, route violation driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, indiscriminate parkings, overloading, over speeding and underaged during and after the tribunal judgment.
He also advised motorists to adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations.
