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Tension in Kano - Emir Jittery

Daily Champion (Lagos)
NEWS
December 19, 2004
Posted to the web December 20, 2004
Lagos
AS palpable tension grows in the ancient city of Kano over the disagreement
between the ruling All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the state, and the main
opposition the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado
Bayero has warned that the state cannot risk further political violence.
Tension has persisted in the state in recent times and worsened last week
following the publication of a white paper by state government which indicted
the immediate governor of the state and current Defence Minister Alhaji Rabiu
Kwankwaso. The former governor according to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry
headed by Justice Ahmad Badamasi, would refund over N850 million ecological
fund as well as another N600 million scholarship funds reportedly
misappropriated by his administration.
The administration of Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau insists the Defence Minister
should also face a criminal charge, a development that is causing much
disagreement between the ANPP and PDP in the state.
A High Court in the state is expected to rule on the suit filed by Kwankwaso's
counsel Chief Adegboyega Awomola (SAN) tomorrow (Monday) asking it to quash the
indictment
Apparently disturbed by the tension generated by Shekarau, Kwankwaso dispute,
described by PDP faithful in the state as a "witch-hunt," the Kano monarch said
he was aware that some people in the state are gearing up for violence.
The royal father who received members of the opposition coalition in the state
in his palace, said what the state needs "is peace and unity," and not
violence. He advised the two rival parties to bury their hatchet.
Alhaji Ado Bayero also promised to intervene in the political party differences
in the state, which are tantamount to instigating people against one another
and destroy the fragile peace that existed in Kano.
The spokesman of the coalition Alhaji Musa Danbirni had earlier told the emir
that they visited him in order to prevail on Governor Ibrahim Shekarau the
state governor to drop what he called a "mission of witch hunt."
He alleged that "what is happening in Kano today is that instead of us as the
opposition to oppose the activities of the ruling ANPP the reverse is the case,
Shekarau has launched an assault on the opposition which may cause serious
violence in Kano."
"Today, we are living witnesses that Malam Shekarau's led government has
succeeded in splitting Kano and its people, you are either with him or with the
enemies and this does not bode well for Kano."

   

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