Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain professionalism and avoid partisanship in their duties, especially in the state.
His comments came in response to concerns regarding a ‘terror alert’ issued by the Kano State Police Command just before the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order’s annual Maulud celebration at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
Kwankwaso congratulated the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order for successfully hosting the significant event on his X handle and extended his congratulations to His Royal Highness, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for their roles in organizing it.
However, he expressed disappointment with the police alert, which he noted not only threatened the event’s success but also instilled unnecessary fear in Kano residents and attendees from other regions of Nigeria and abroad.
He stated, “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.”
Kwankwaso cautioned that issuing a false terror alert sets a perilous precedent, as it may lead to public complacency during genuine threats in the future. “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.”
He added, “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.”
Kwankwaso called on the Kano police to prioritize professionalism and avoid partisanship, stressing the importance of maintaining integrity. He further urged the Federal Government to refrain from interfering in issues that fall under the jurisdiction of Kano State and its people.
“The Federal Government must avoid dragging itself into situations that only complicate governance in Kano State,” he remarked.
The Tijjaniyya Maulud celebration is one of the most significant events for the Sufi order, attracting participants from around the globe.