From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has blamed the New Nigerian Peoples Party and some opposition elements in the state for the violence that was witnessed in Kano last Thursday during the ongoing #Endbadgovernance protest.
A statement co-issued by the state chairman of the party, Abdullahi Abbas, and the Director General of the Tinubu/Shetima, Gawuna/Garo campaign council in the state, Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi, made the claim in Kano.
The statement observed that Governor Abba Yusuf’s invitation to the protesters to the Government House coupled with his careless comments undermining the authority of the police in the state encouraged the arson and looting that took place during the protest.
Abbas stated that being an opposition state, politics largely played a part in the governor’s decision to exploit the situation to his advantage.
He noted that “it is a well-known fact that APC through its National Chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has called on the organisers to sheath their swords and dialogue with the government.
“It is unfortunate that as Governor Abba Kabir opted for staging the protest against the wise counsels of our Ulamas, leaders of thought and stakeholders who wished Nigeria well.”
Abbas also insisted that it was undiplomatic for a sitting governor to openly attack the police authorities who have been carrying out their duties based on constitutional provisions.
Abbas further noted that the governor should not allow personal grudges he bore against the person of the state police commissioner to undermine the security of life and property he is supposed to protect.
He alleged that the instigated violence was also part of the grand plan to attack the palace at Gidan Nassarawa, where the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero resides.