Independence celebration: President Tinubu urge to investigate withdrawal of police at parade ground in Kano

By Ladan Nasidi, Kano

PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu’,has been called upon to
investigate the circumstances surrounding the police withdrawal at the parade ground of Sani Abacha Stadium ( SBS) Kano , during the Independence celebration and hold accountable those who responsible for the an ugly act

Making this call during a press conference,an association under the umbrella of One Kano Agenda,(OKA)its Director General, Alhaji
Abbas Abdullahi Yakasai, said that the absence of State Commissioner of Police Mr.Ibram Bakori and directive to pull out police personnel during the programme “was a deliberate sabotage of a sacred day “

According to him “This withdrawal, announced barely 30 minutes before the event, under unclear and suspicious directives, was more than a logistical setback it was an affront to the spirit of independence itself”

He however noted that ‘This act struck not only at the dignity of the state but also at the very purpose of Independence Day: a collective celebration of our shared nationhood”

“Sadly, this is not the first time Kano has been targeted by disruptive interference” he said

“We have witnessed similar attempts in other sensitive aspects of our social and cultural life. These repeated disruptions are designed to keep Kano in a state of avoidable tension.”

When institutions charged with maintaining law and order are drawn into political schemes, the peace and unity that Independence Day seeks to symbolize are put at risk.

The group stated that ” It is therefore deeply troubling that the 65th Independence Anniversary celebration in Kano was nearly derailed by the last minute withdrawal of the Police Command from the ceremonial parade.”

Alhaji Yakasai, then empharsised that”,At the very moment when Nigerians were reaffirming unity, Kano was singled out for humiliation. While every other state held its celebration in full, Kano’s was disrupted.”

He added that “For the sake of peace and progress, we call on the Federal Government to:

‘ To Investigate the circumstances surrounding the police withdrawal at the Independence celebration and hold accountable those responsible.

And also to “ensure that Independence Day remains above politics by guaranteeing that all states can mark the occasion with dignity and security.

He hinted that this will ” rebuild
trust in security institutions by ensuring they operate with professionalism, fairness, and independence.

Alhaji Yakasai however stated
‘We commend the resilience of Kano’s citizens, who despite the attempted sabotage, carried on with the celebration. “

He noted that “Independence Day is not just a date on the calendar. It is a solemn moment of reflection, celebration, and renewal of our collective identity as Nigerians.

“It is the day we honor the sacrifices of our founding fathers, recommit ourselves to the ideals of unity and progress, and teach our children that freedom and nationhood come with responsibility.”Alhaji Yakasai

“For 65 years, Nigerians across the federation have used this day to showcase patriotism, solidarity, and hope for the future. It is a day that should bring us together, above politics, above divisions, above conflict.’ he added