Renewed Kano Protests Prompt Response From Emir Sanusi

The 16th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged residents of the state engaging in the #EndBadGovernace protest to avoid being used by agents of destruction in the Northern region and Nigeria at large.

Ireporteronline reports that Sanusi made the plea following the return of protesters to the streets of Kano despite the curfew imposed to check widespread violence.

Some protesters reportedly regrouped in Tudun Wada of Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano on Friday afternoon, after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf relaxed the curfew to enable the Muslim faithful to observe Jumaat.

Many protesters wielded placards while others sang and clapped as they marched on the streets.

Speaking at a press conference held at his Gidan Rumfa palace on Friday evening, Sanusi expressed concern over how public and private properties were looted and vandalised owing to the protest that was billed to be a peaceful demonstration against hunger and hardship in the country.

The Emir said what happened is a setback to the state, the northern region and the country at large.

Meanwhile, Human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has called for the immediate suspension of the ongoing nationwide protests against bad governance in Nigeria.

Adegboruwa, who represents the Take It Back Movement, a key organizer of the protests, conveyed this message in a statement released on Friday.

Ireporteronline recalls that Adegboruwa had last Friday written to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to notify him of planned public meetings, rallies, and processions being organised by a non-governmental body, the Take It Back Movement, all its members, and some other patriotic Nigerians and groups.

The human rights activist, in a letter dated Friday, July 26, 2024, stated that the planned rallies would commence from Aug. 1 to 10, 2024, or any time thereafter at the Eagle Square in Abuja and other public spaces in the capital cities of all the 36 states and the headquarters of the 774 local government councils.

Adegboruwa, while reiterating the role of the police during such rallies and protests, urged the IGP to make available the details of any police officer or police team that will be assigned to cover the said meetings/rallies/processions to harmonise plans and strategies for the same.

The request comes against the background of warnings from security agencies and groups over the planned protest.