Kwankwaso Criticizes Kano Police for Terror Alert

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former Governor of Kano State and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has called on the Nigeria Police Force to maintain its professionalism and avoid acting out of political bias, especially in Kano State.

This plea came after the Kano State Police Command issued a controversial terror alert right before the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order’s annual Maulud celebration at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

Kwankwaso applauded the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order for successfully holding the important event, and he extended congratulations to His Royal Highness Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for their organizing efforts.

Despite the celebration’s success, he expressed concern regarding the police’s alert, stating it not only threatened the event’s atmosphere but also created unnecessary anxiety among both local attendees and visitors from across Nigeria and other countries.

He criticized the police for damaging their credibility through perceived collaboration with the Federal Government, which he accused of frequently meddling in the affairs of Kano State. Kwankwaso cautioned that such unfounded terror alerts could lead to a dangerous sense of complacency among the public when real threats do arise.

Kwankwaso stated:

“The police’s actions, which seem to align with the Federal Government’s ongoing interference in Kano, diminish their credibility. Issuing a false threat alert like this sets a worrying precedent, potentially making people indifferent when genuine dangers occur in the future. Given the international profile of the event, the police’s performance also tarnishes the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force globally.”

He urged the Kano police to focus on their professionalism and integrity and to avoid political affiliations. Additionally, Kwankwaso appealed to the Federal Government to stop interfering in Kano State’s governance, highlighting the importance of delineating administrative roles.

The Tijjaniyya Maulud celebration is a crucial event for the Sufi community, drawing participants from around the globe. Nonetheless, Kwankwaso’s comments have sparked discussions on the Nigeria Police Force’s role at such significant events and the implications for public confidence.