With the Court of Appeal expected to deliver judgements on Kano and Plateau states gubernatorial election disputes before the end of the week, residents and political gladiators have been wrned by the police against political gatherings.
The police have also banned political gatherings and raised the alarm about suspected “preparation for violent processions, protests, or celebrations that may trigger reactions”.
Worried about how political supporters might react to the judgement of the appellate court, the police in Kano have already raised the security level in the state with the deployment of more personnel to strategic places in the state metropolis.
The state police commissioner, Usaini Gumel, who assured residents of adequate security before and after the judgement, advised residents against unguarded statements or engaging in violent protests or celebrations that may ignite reactions in the commercial city.
Recall that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) was sacked by the election petitions tribunal, which ordered Nasir Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to be sworn in instead, prompting Yusuf to approach the Court of Appeal for redress.
And while the tribunal had upheld the elections of Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the sacking of all lawmakers elected on his party’s platform by the appellate court further heightened tension in the state over whether or not the governor would survive the tsunami.
Historically, the two states have been two of the most volatile in the country, with recurring ethnic, religious and political crises leading to the loss of thousands of lives and property.