Ahead of the scheduled nationwide protest on August 1st, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has urged organizers to suspend their demonstrations and present their demands to him for potential action. Speaking at a meeting with traditional rulers and the business community at Government House in Kano, Governor Yusuf emphasized his commitment to conveying the demands directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I will mobilize a special delegation from the state, including traditional rulers, businessmen, and Ulamas, to deliver your demands to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Governor Yusuf assured. He highlighted the significant economic position of Kano within Nigeria and the African continent, warning that protests, particularly violent ones, could destabilize peace and the economy.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful protest, the Governor urged organizers to avoid violence and reconsider their plans. He pointed to various interventions his administration has introduced to alleviate economic hardships and promised additional measures to boost the economy and create jobs.
Governor Yusuf called on the business community to assist in addressing current economic challenges by reducing commodity prices. He announced plans to establish an agency focused on price control in Kano State, aiming to collaborate with the business sector for the benefit of the people.
Kano State Speaker Jibril Falgore also spoke at the meeting, pledging legislative support for policies that facilitate ease of doing business in the state. He urged continued cooperation between the business community and the state government to ensure Kano’s prosperity.
The Emir of Kano, Khalifa Mohammadu Sanusi, addressed the proposed nationwide protest, urging youths to refrain from participating, citing the anonymity of the protest planners. He called on political parties to nominate credible and God-fearing candidates for the upcoming local government elections, emphasizing that societal progress depends on electing the right leaders.