By Sani Rafindadi, Katsina
The Katsina State governor, Aminu Masari, has signed a declaratory order banning unlawful assembly, consisting two or more people in any part of the state.
A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Abdu Malumfashi, said the governor made the declaration “in the exercise of the power conferred upon him by Section 97A of the Penal Code”.
The new order, which appears to be a crackdown on the opposition, was signed by the governor on February 27.
Supporters of Mr Masari’s predecessor, Ibrahim Shema, who is currently facing trial for corruption by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, organised a solidarity gathering at the court premises during his last appearance.
The declaration reads: “Any assembly of two or more persons in any part of the Katsina State, by whatever name called, whether or not it is armed or any of its members is armed with dangerous weapon or any instrument which is likely to cause death or such bodily injury, and the common object of which is to-
“(i) kill or injure or harass or intimidate members of the public or provoke breach of the public peace;
“(ii) overawe, by criminal force or show of criminal force, the Government of the Federation or Government of the State or any Government of Nigeria or any public servant in the exercise of his lawful powers; or
“(iii) resist the execution of any law or of any legal process; or
“(iv) commit any mischief or criminal trespass or other offence; or
“(v) enforce any right or supposed right by means of criminal force or show of criminal force; or
“(vi) compel any person to do what he is not legally bound to do or to omit to do what he is legally entitled to do by means of criminal force or show of criminal force, AN UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY”
