KANO – Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, Executive Director of Citizens for Development and Education (CDE) and Convener of Nigeria For Peace Project (N4P), has called on security agents to arrest and hold accountable the organizers of the recent Kano protest for the resulting violence and destruction.
In a statement released on Friday, Waiya condemned the protest and its organizers, criticizing their failure to foresee the chaos that ensued. “We unequivocally condemn the protest in totality, as well as the promoters and organizers for their inability to envisage this calamity which could befall Kano State, our only dear State,” he said.
The protest, which took place on Thursday, saw hoodlums unleashing violence and widespread looting in Kano, resulting in loss of life and property damage. Waiya stressed that the protest organizers ignored repeated warnings from various voices of wisdom about the potential for such an outcome.
“History wouldn’t forgive those who adamantly insisted on organizing the protest despite repeated advisory to heed caution,” Waiya remarked. He highlighted that many important figures had cautioned against the protest, noting Kano State’s unique vulnerabilities and the presence of individuals eager to destabilize it.
Waiya lamented the consequences of the protest, citing loss of human lives, significant damage to private and public property, and the tarnishing of Kano State’s reputation. He specifically mentioned the destruction of the NCC Centre, which has set back ICT literacy and development opportunities in the state.
He praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s swift imposition of a curfew and the prompt, professional response of security agencies in containing the situation and arresting some of the looters and hoodlums.
Waiya acknowledged the Federal Government’s failure to address the severe economic difficulties faced by more than 85% of citizens struggling to feed themselves, criticizing the government’s extravagant spending. He warned that Nigerians are losing confidence in democracy and the current administration.
Waiya urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent steps to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian citizens, emphasizing that life has become unbearable for many. “Gradually, people are losing confidence and faith in Nigerian democracy and your government,” he stated.
He assured that N4P would continue to monitor the situation in Kano and ensure that those responsible for the chaos are brought to justice.
