Security Agents Avert Crisis In Kano

Security agencies in Kano, North-West Nigeria averted violence that could have marred the traditional visit of Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, to Kano state Governor, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso, this afternoon, as part of activities to mark this year’s Sallah celebration.

Two days ago, the Emirate Council and Kano State Government disagreed over the hosting of the annual procession by the Emir and his Emirate, following news of the Emir’s alleged deteriorating health.

The government had cancelled the traditional visit in sympathy with the Emir’s health condition, but last minute arrangements saw the Emir visiting Kwankwaso to pay the traditional homage.

A group of individuals who ran helter-skelter as the Emir made his way to Government House almost sparked off stampede, which culminated in false rumour that crisis had erupted in the ancient city.

Police described the act as, “mischievous and naughty.”

However, Emir Bayero finally made the visit to Kwankwaso at Government House where he called on the Federal Government to expedite action towards unraveling perpetrators of terrorist attacks and bombings of government installations.

Clad in immaculate white regalia, Bayero who rode into Government House in a green Rolls Royce car in company of District Heads, palace chiefs, and guards to observe the Hawan Nassarawa Durbar, also urged Nigerians to pray fervently for the socio-economic growth of the nation, adding that the way things are, the only solution to the nation’s security challenges is patriotism, commitment to duty on the part of security agents, as well as prayer and hope in God.

“I would like to use this opportunity to urge the Federal Government to intensify efforts in all aspects of human endeavour especially as it relates to the issue of security of lives and property. We need security for the wellbeing of our nation,” the Royal Father noted.

He also tasked the Federal Government to improved health, water, education and agricultural sectors, pointing out that there was a nagging need to arrest the problem of unemployment so as to reduce the number of jobless youths who are always at the service of enemies of peace and stability.

Emir Ado Bayero also spoke on the need to promote national unity, improved power supply, industrialization, just as he tasked local government councils in the country to live up to their responsibilities.

Appealing to Nigerians to continue to live in peace with one another, Bayero said: “I appeal to all Nigerians to cooperate with one another and be their brothers’ keepers, because it is only when they work together that there can be peaceful and harmonious co-existence in the country.”

Kano State Governor, Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, who used the occasion to brief the Emir on some of his achievements within 100 days in power, said his administration has concluded plans to build Independent Power Plant in the state.

The governor said his administration is passionate on improved agricultural productivity, water supply, security of lives and property, improvement on Internally Generated Revenue, creation of jobs for the teeming youths, just as he revealed that about 55 vehicles have been purchased to enhance the operation of the police in the state.

Being the first visit to Government House since the coming of Kwnakwaso’s government, Emir Ado Bayero’s Sallah Traditional visist to Kwankwaso may have ended speculations that the two leaders were so much in a feud that they have refused to see eye-to-eye.

Meanwhile, while Governor Kwankwaso was receiving Emir Ado Bayero at Government House, tension became palpable within the Kano metropolis as traders in Kofar Ruwa and Sabon Gari markets hurriedly closed their shops following false alarm of violence in some parts of the city.

In a matter of minutes, security was beefed up within the city, just as the police authorities went on air in the local broadcast media, urging residents to move about their businesses as there was no cause for panic.

The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim K. Idris rold P.M.NEWS in his office that there was no outbreak of violence anywhere in the state as the rumour was the handiwork of mischief makers.

He, however, confirmed that a group of unscrupulous crowd had ran helter-skelter as the Emir and his entourage were proceeding to Government House, “and on the spur of the moment, people took to their heels. Those were a cheerful crowd who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the colourful procession of the Royal Father. We immediately put the situation under control and I can assure you that there is no problem,” Idris stated.

According to Idris, as part of preventive measures, the police had combed trouble spots two days before the Sallah festivities, “and we arrested a number of these Yandabas (local terrorists) who are used to cause problem in situations like this. We thank God that the Royal Father’s visit to the Governor was successful; and Kano is calm and peaceful.”

He urged all Nigerians in Kano to move about their businesses without worry, pointing out that, “I don’t see reasons while residents in Kano—be they indigenes or non-indigenes should panic at any petty rumour. I want all Nigerians living in Kano to see this state as their home. We the security agents shall try our best to ensure that lives and property of Nigerians in Kano are well secured irrespective of your religious or ethnic background. You should go about your lawful businesses without fear of molestation or intimidation. ”

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano