Emir Sanusi blames intelligence lapses for Kano protest violence

Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has blamed intelligence lapses on the part of security operatives for their inability to prevent the violent attack on public facilities destroyed by hoodlums during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano.

Emir Sanusi raised the concern Wednesday while inspecting the multi-million naira facilities damaged at Kano Printing Press during Thursday’s rampage.

The monarch regretted the level of destruction witnessed on one of the surviving government-owned printing hubs in Northern Nigeria, faulting the inability of the security to prevent the dastardly action despite earlier notice given to them.

“Before this happened, the security operatives were notified in writing that there was a signal of a possible attack on the printing press during the protest. But no action or precaution was taken to prevent it from happening. Unfortunately, it was allowed to happen.

“My father had worked here (Kano printing press). It is sad that a place like this would be destroyed by their grandchildren. We pray that God comes to the aid of these youths and whoever is behind it. We pray this would be the end of such unfortunate incidents in Kano,” Sanusi said.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) noted that the looting and destruction perpetrated during the protest was a clear indication of an organized plot to set Kano on fire.

He, however, believed those who sponsored the violent protest would be exposed.

While inspecting the remains of Industrial Digital Park, built by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Sanusi said the centre designed to train about three million youths and generate job opportunities was scheduled for commissioning today (Wednesday).

He cautioned Kano youths to broaden their horizon against enemies of progress that intend to use them for a destructive agenda to the detriment of generations yet unborn.

He reminded that those giving money to the younger generation to foment violence against the state have safely relocated their children studying outside the country. He added that the youth should clearly identify those who care about their future before being used for destruction.

“We are highly touched by what had happened to the NCC, but we have been assured by the Federal Government that the rebuild of the NCC facility will commence soonest. We would continue to urge the youths to shun every negative tendency that is targeted at them.”

Speaking at the NCC park, the State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mohammed Tajo Othman, pledged the government’s readiness to create an enabling environment for the rehabilitation of the digital hub.

The commissioner said the state government has received the assurance of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Olabosun Tijani, who promised the rebuilding of the park.