Emir tussle: Troops deployment, a show of shame, says NNPP

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), on Saturday, slammed the federal government’s deployment of troops to the Emir of Kano’s palace, describing it as a “show of shame” and a threat to democracy.

It also argued that the deployment of soldiers and security agents was a violation of the Constitution, which gives states the exclusive power to administer local governments and chieftaincy matters.

National Publicity Secretary of NNPP, Barr. Ladipo Johnson, in a statement, condemned the siege on the palace, saying it was an attempt to overturn the constitutionally-backed restructuring and restoration of the Kano State Emirate Council.

The NNPP also faulted the alleged forceful return of deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero to Kano through the might of the federal government, calling it a threat to peace and harmony in the state.

He said: “We are using this medium to appeal to Elders in the country, leaders of thought, and Nigerians in general as well as the International Community to prevail on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call to Order members of his party who are bent on throwing Kano State and indeed the entire North into turmoil just to realise their selfish ambition.

“Since those affected have approached the Court of law for redress, they should allow the process to complete its cycle instead of resorting to Arm – Twisting the Governor of Kano State.

“The unleashing of security agencies controlled by the APC led Federal Government to coerce and the stultify the government of Kano State from performing its constitutionally donated duties is a gross violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a fundamental breach of the hallowed principles of Separation of Powers as enunciated in the 1999 Construction of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and must be vehemently resisted by all lovers of our democracy.

“The ongoing scenario in Kano where soldiers are deployed to upturn a properly enacted law by the State legislature and State Police Commissioner will bluntly refuse an instruction by a Sitting Governor as we are witnessing in Kano portend grave danger to our democracy.

“The refusal of the State Commissioner of Police to carry out the order of Governor Abba Yusuf to arrest the deposed Emir for attempting to cause violence and public disorder through his conduct was disrespectful to the Governor as the Chief Security Officer in the State.

“The position of the Commissioner of Police Kano State on ex-parte at his Press Conference was not convincing, saying that “you cannot restrain a completed action” since the government action had taken place long before the controversial court’s pronouncement.”