Salim Umar Ibrahim
The Kano State Executive Council has called for the immediate investigation and arrest of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje over what it described as “inciting and reckless” comments on the security situation in the state.
This followed deliberations at the council’s 34th Executive Meeting held on Thursday at the Government House, Kano, where members reviewed recent statements by Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, alleging that Kano was increasingly vulnerable to banditry and announcing plans to recruit 12,000 persons into a proposed religious police outfit known as Khairul Nas.
Briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting, on Friday, Commissioner of information and internal affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the remarks were capable of undermining ongoing security efforts by both the state government and Federal Government.
The council further expressed concern that less than 48 hours after the comments were made, suspected bandits infiltrated some border communities in the state — an incident it said “raised questions on whether the remarks were premeditated or linked to the attack.”
“We don’t know what Ganduje mean with those statements so we are therefore calling for his arrest. He must be investigated because we cannot afford to watch him destabilise our peace in the state.”
The state government reiterated its appreciation to the Federal Government and security agencies for their support in combating insecurity and insisted that no individual or group would be allowed to “create an illegal militia under any guise”.
It also urged public office holders and political figures to refrain from making statements capable of inciting unrest, while assuring residents of its continued commitment to maintaining peace, law, and order across the state.
