The Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability, CAJA, has condemned the decision of the Kano State Police Command to ban a former governor of the state, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, from visiting the city.
Mr Kwankwaso, a senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District, had planned to visit Kano on January 30.
The former governor is in fierce political battle with the governor of the state, Abdullahi Ganduje, who was his deputy and erstwhile close political ally.
In a statement on Friday, the Executive Director, CAJA, Kabiru Dakata, described the police decision as unfortunate, adding that it was an attempt to serve the interest of a political group at the detriment of a constitutionally allowed freedom of association.
According to Mr Dakata, since the command claimed to have got information of plans by some miscreants to cause violence during the proposed visit, it should have used its professionalism to avert the crisis, not to ban the event.
“We call on the Nigerian Police to desist from politicising it’s professional responsibility, and serve as neutral institution that works to protect lives and property, as well as promote dynamic system in Nigeria.
“While describing the decision as illegal, unfortunate and politically motivated, we call on the Kwankwasiyya group to avoid any violent reaction and follow all legal means to ensure that their right to association has not been violated,” he said.
Mr Ganduje had fixed a political rally to hold on the same day, time and place where Mr Kwankwaso’s motorcade and supporters are expected to pass through.
Earlier on Friday, the state Police Commissioner, Rabi’u Yusuf, asked Mr Kwankwaso to shelve the visit as it caused ‘palpable fears’ among the general public.
The CP also advised Mr Kwankwaso to suspend the visit until the tension that rocked the commercial city douses.
