In a significant turn of events, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has ruled on the governorship dispute in Kano State, leading to the sacking of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The ruling, which upheld the Tribunal’s decision from September 20, 2023, has sparked unrest in the state, prompting residents to adopt a sit-at-home approach.
The controversy stems from the March 18, 2023 election, where Yusuf, representing the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), was initially declared the winner by the Independent National Electronic Electoral Commission (INEC) with 1,019,602 votes, surpassing Nasiru Gawuna’s 890,705 votes. However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) contested the results, alleging electoral malpractice and subsequently leading to the Tribunal’s decision.
“The panel upheld the Tribunal’s verdict led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadebay.”
Reports obtained by Naija News reveal heightened anxiety among residents since the announcement of the Appeal Court’s judgment. Parents and guardians have been rushing to schools, fearing potential unrest. A head teacher from a private school in Normandsland, Fagge Local Government, expressed concerns about a possible crisis over the governor’s removal.
Head teacher: “Parents were worried there could be a crisis over the sack of Governor Yusuf by the Appeal Court.”
Since Thursday, panic buying has been observed, with residents fearing the imposition of a curfew. Some individuals have reportedly taken matters into their own hands, opting for a self-imposed sit-at-home as they closely monitor the unfolding events.
Resident: “We are praying for things to go easily without any issues, but for me, I will not even come to the market because you can never tell what will happen.”
A businessman at Kwari market, Yunusa Abdullah, expressed skepticism about the situation, highlighting the impact on daily life. Another businessman, Usman Bello, emphasized the unnecessary tension created among the populace and announced plans to stay home the next day.
Yunusa Abdullah: “I wonder why all this, now, everybody will go to sleep with this in their minds thinking.”
Usman Bello: “Let them do what they want to do but they should know that God is watching and they have created unnecessary tension among the teeming populace.”
