Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has warned the Federal Government to steer clear of Kano State’s internal matters.
This comes in the wake of a controversial “terror alert” issued by the Kano State Police Command ahead of the annual Maulud celebration of Sheikh Ibrahim Inyass, the spiritual leader of the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order.
In a statement released via his official X handle, Kwankwaso congratulated the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order for the successful event held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
He also extended felicitations to His Royal Highness, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for organizing the event.
However, Kwankwaso expressed concerns over the timing and implications of the police alert, which he described as reckless and unprofessional.
“This alert not only jeopardized the success of the gathering but also put the lives of the people of Kano and attendees from other countries at risk by creating palpable fear,” Kwankwaso stated.
He accused the police of acting as an accomplice in what he called the Federal Government’s “habitual dabbling” into Kano State’s affairs.
Kwankwaso warned that issuing a false threat alert sets a dangerous precedent, making people less likely to take future warnings seriously.
“The conduct of the police leadership in Kano also leaves a bad impression of the Nigeria Police Force globally,” he added.
The NNPP leader called on the police to maintain professionalism and avoid being seen as partisan tools in Kano or elsewhere in Nigeria. He also reiterated his call for the Federal Government to respect the jurisdiction of Kano State and its people.
“For the umpteenth time, I urge the Federal Government to avoid dragging itself into unpleasant situations by further meddling in affairs strictly under the jurisdiction of Kano State,” Kwankwaso concluded.