The Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative has issued a stern ultimatum to Kano Governor, Abba Yusuf, demanding an end to the ongoing demolitions within 72 hours. Failure to comply with this demand will result in legal action against the governor, as stated by the coalition during a press conference held in Abuja. The group also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent further destruction of investments in the state.
The call for action comes in response to the recent marking of hundreds of houses for demolition by the state task force on mass demolition, operating under the Urban Protection and Development Authority. The coalition decried these actions as unlawful and inhumane, warning that if left unchecked, they could escalate into a full-blown crisis.
Okpokwu Ogenyi, the National Coordinator of CGGI, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the unrest in Kano had the potential to affect the entire country. Ogenyi called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to swiftly intervene and urge Governor Abba Yusuf to halt the illegal demolition of property, which has already resulted in the loss of lives in the state.
The coalition further demanded that Governor Yusuf retract his orders, provide proper compensation to the affected individuals and groups, and put an end to the ongoing demolitions. Failure to comply with these demands within the stipulated 72-hour timeframe would result in legal consequences, according to Ogenyi.
The property demolitions orchestrated by the new governor of Kano State have faced criticism and scrutiny. One casualty has been reported, while three others were hospitalized due to a collapsed building wreckage during the demolitions. However, the coalition contested this figure, asserting that their investigative team on the ground recorded around 20 casualties.
Ogenyi noted that the actions of Governor Yusuf were not surprising, as similar precedents had been set in Imo and Niger states. He expressed concern over the destruction of legacies from previous administrations, driven by personal animosity or fear of popularity. Ogenyi called the situation a “show of shame” and criticized the governor for his inhuman actions against the people of Kano State.
The coalition also expressed disappointment in the silence of Governor Yusuf’s political mentor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, who is also the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian People’s Party. They questioned why a governor who had only been in office for three weeks was so focused on demolishing structures to spite his predecessor. The coalition called on Kwankwaso to condemn the ongoing demolitions if he was not involved in the plot and urged him to join other prominent figures in denouncing the destructive actions.
The coalition further raised questions about the legality of plot allocations during the previous administration and suggested holding former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje accountable if any irregularities were found. They highlighted the plight of individuals who had invested their loans in Kano, only to face devastating losses due to the demolitions, questioning how they would recover from this dire situation.
