A group of protesters, organized under the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative, took to the streets of Kano metropolis on Monday to express their dissatisfaction with the ongoing demolition of structures by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The structures in question were predominantly erected during the tenure of former Governor Umar Ganduje of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Although the protesters did not demonstrate any partisan identity, they collectively demanded an immediate halt to the demolition actions carried out by the current governor. Gathering at the site where Daula Hotel once stood, which had been recently demolished, the demonstrators held up placards with various inscriptions such as “Gov Yusuf, your action is sending away investors,” “Don’t bring insecurity to our state, Mr. Governor,” and “Let the law take its course.” From there, they proceeded to march towards the police headquarters.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Zahraddeen Sani Baba, the Convener of the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative, declared, “If the incumbent governor has any issues with his predecessor, we urge him to summon him to answer questions, instead of punishing innocent Nigerians and destroying their investments.”
The NNPP government in Kano had justified the demolitions as a measure to restore the Kano Urban Development Master plan, which includes the removal of structures built in public spaces. Additionally, the new state government expressed its commitment to maintaining order and adhering to established regulations regarding land allocation, property, and construction of structures.
The protest in Kano highlights the concerns of citizens who oppose the demolition of public structures and call for a more transparent and just approach to resolving any issues between the current and former governors. As tensions rise, it remains to be seen how the state government will respond to the demands of the protesters and address the broader concerns raised regarding the demolition actions.