TEXT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE FORUM OF PROGRESSIVE ACADEMICS ON THE ATTEMPTED SABOTAGE OF THE 65TH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION AND THE POLITICIZATION OF SECURITY IN KANO STATE
I welcome you to this press conference convened by Forum of Progressive Academics, a dedicated and patriotic organization that is committed to the peace, unity, stability and progress of Kano State.
We are gathered here to reflect on the yet another sad episode in the planned, lined of chronicle of using security for political gains by some faceless selfish politicians and their co-travellers.
We are referring to the unfortunate plan to scuttle the recently held 65 Independence anniversary
celebration in Kano State through the withdrawal of Police from participating in parade review
as part of the national day celebration.
1. As patriots, we condemn the egregious sabotage of Kano’s 65th Independence Day celebration, orchestrated by those seeking to exploit security for selfish political gain.
2. The eleventh hour withdrawal of police personnel from the Independence Day parade in Kano
was obviously a well planned, calculated attempt to undermine the state’s stability and unity.
3. A clear double standard was evident as other states celebrated Independence Day with full police participation, while Kano State was singled out for discriminatory treatment, thereby undermining its citizens’ pride.
4. This is not an isolated incident as it fits into a disturbing pattern where unpatriotic elements,
driven by ill intentions, consistently throw a spanner in the works whenever progress and positivity are destined for Kano. We have seen this same playbook before in the bastardization of our revered traditional institutions, a move calculated to create chaos and enmity among our people. The objective is clear: to keep Kano in a perpetual state of tension and conflict for selfish political gains.
The involvement of the Commissioner of Police in this political game is not only alarming but a direct threat to the peace and security of our state. When the police, who are meant to becustodians of law and order, become pawns in a political chess game, the very fabric of our society is endangered.
5. We call on all well meaning citizens of Kano to be the guardians of peace and stability. Let’s
work together to build a prosperous future, free from manipulation and division. We are witnesses to sponsored rallies in support of these negative actions and create a false narrative.
We urge you to reject them. Remember, Kano is our only home, our ultimate heritage. We must be the ones to protect it for the sake of our peace, progress and collective prosperity.
6. To those involved, especially the desperate politicians among them we serve notice: the people
of Kano will not be swayed by divisive tactics. Those of you who seek to undermine our state’s peace will face the wrath of the electorate. We shall ensure you are voted out and consigned to the
Furthermore, we make bold to observe that no sooner than the Independence anniversary
sabotage failed and the subsequent call for the redeployment of the State Police Commissioner
by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, there we all manner of commentaries for and against especially through social media by politicians as well as statements from prominent figures which make it clear that this incident is part of a larger agenda.
In this regard, for the sake of peace and progress, we join His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to:
1. Order for the redeployment and replacement of the Commissioner of Police in Kano State to
restore sanity and confidence in the security apparatus.
2. Respect the devolution of powers by allowing state governments to function without undue
interference, this will go a long way in promoting peace and stability in Kano. Replacing the
Commissioner of Police would be a significant step in the right direction that will prove the
Federal Government’s commitment to justice and its desire for stability in Nigeria’s most
populous state.
7. The Forum of Progressive Academics applaud and commend Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s
undeterred resolve and patriotism in ensuring that the national day celebration was not only held
despite the attempted, deliberate sabotae by Police withdrawal from the event.
This action by the Governor showed courage, determination, resilience and utmost patriotism
which should be commended by every well meaning citizens of Kano state and Nigeria at large.
The Forum of Progressive Academics stands firm with the people of Kano. We urge all stakeholders to join us in denouncing this act of sabotage and protecting our state’s dignity.
Thank you in anticipating your positive response.
Signed,
Dr. Abubakar Isa Ibrahim
President Forum of Progressive Academics.
