The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged the Nigeria Police Force to ‘uphold professionalism and avoid partisanship,’ particularly in Kano State.
His statement followed a controversial ‘terror alert’ issued by the Kano State Police Command on the eve of the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order’s annual Maulud celebration, held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
The senator congratulated the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order on the successful completion of the monumental event, extending his felicitations to His Royal Highness Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for their roles in organizing the gathering.
Despite the event’s success, Kwankwaso expressed dismay at the police alert, noting that it not only jeopardized the celebration but also instilled unnecessary fear among Kano residents and attendees from across Nigeria and abroad.
He criticized the police for undermining their credibility by aligning with what he described as the Federal Government’s habitual interference in Kano State affairs. Kwankwaso warned that issuing such an unfounded terror alert could have long-term consequences by fostering public complacency during actual threats.
Kwankwaso said;
“This conduct by the police, which has already been marked as a willing partner of the Federal Government in its habitual interference in Kano State’s affairs, further erodes its credibility.
“Issuing a threat alert of this magnitude, which later turns out to be false sets a dangerous precedent. I am afraid that it will lead people to be complacent in the event of a genuine threat in the future.
“Due to the international nature of the event, the conduct of the police leadership in Kano also leaves a bad impression of the Nigeria Police Force globally.”
He urged the police in Kano to prioritize professionalism and maintain integrity, steering clear of partisanship. Kwankwaso also called on the Federal Government to refrain from interfering in Kano State’s governance, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries in administrative matters.
The Tijjaniyya Maulud celebration remains a significant event for the Sufi order, attracting participants from around the world. However, Kwankwaso’s remarks have raised questions about the role of the Nigeria Police Force in such high-profile gatherings and their impact on public trust.
