Curfew paralyses economic activities in Kano

Economic activities in Kano were paralysed, yesterday, as residents complied with the movement restriction order by the state government.

Kano State government, on Wednesday evening, imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew between Wednesday and Thursday in the wake of tension that greeted the ruling of the governorship election petition tribunal.

The tribunal nullified the election of Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and declared Nasiru Gawuna of All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the March 18, 2022 governorship election in the state.

The Guardian observed total compliance to the order, as the popular Sabon-Gari, Kwari and Yankura markets remained under lock and key.

Besides, major roads in the metropolis were stripped of its normal vehicular traffic, while financial institutions, schools, filling stations and transport terminals shut down businesses. It was also observed that air traffic at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) was suspended in the early hours of yesterday day due to the curfew.

Although, the city remained calm in the last 24 hours after the declaration, the presence of armed security men was still noticeable on major roads.

Meanwhile, the governor has urged residents to remain calm and resist any temptation of taking laws into their hands.

Meanwhile, he has directed his legal team to appeal the tribunal judgment, noting that the decision of the court was a temporary setback.

The governor, who addressed journalists late Wednesday, held that the Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay-led panel’s verdict was tainted by human errors and misapplication of law, adding that he would not be dampened by the setback to forge ahead with the mandate to advance social economic development in the state.

MEANWHILE, the state remained calm, yesterday, as residents complied with the curfew imposed by the government.

Armed security personnel deployed to major streets and other strategic places were on the ground to ensure total compliance, as only vehicles conveying workers on special duties were allowed to move.

The curfew forced many residents to eat any available food, as many were caught unawares by the curfew due to when the announcement was made.

Residents, who spoke on the situation, lamented the government’s decision amid the economic hardship.