KEY POINTS
- NNPP accuses police of harassing Kano governor’s media aide.
- Party calls on IGP to intervene and protect human rights.
- NNPP warns police actions could affect Nigeria’s global image.
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has raised alarm over the alleged harassment and repeated attempts to arrest Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, Director-General of Media and Publicity to the Kano State Government.
According to a statement issued by NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, on Thursday, the Nigeria Police are ignoring a court order that restrains them from arresting Dawakin-Tofa.
Johnson alleged that the police are acting under directives from Abuja, describing the situation as a dangerous precedent for the rule of law in Nigeria.
The statement further alleged that a petition supposedly written by former Kano State Governor and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, or his associates, prompted the police action.
Call for police professionalism and respect for human rights
The NNPP’s statement condemned what it termed as a “clear violation of fundamental human rights.” It claimed that Dawakin-Tofa had been forced into hiding as police attempts to arrest him intensified.
“This repeated harassment, including the intimidation of his family, is a flagrant violation of the rule of law and an abuse of power,” Johnson stated.
The party called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and ensure the police operate within the confines of the law.
“Dr. Egbetokun, a respected professional, must ensure that the police uphold the rule of law and desist from further harassment of Dawakin-Tofa.
His fundamental human rights are protected under the law and must be respected,” the NNPP spokesperson added.
NNPP highlights growing tension in Kano’s political landscape
Johnson said the incident reflects a growing climate of lawlessness in Kano, which could damage Nigeria’s image globally.
According to Punch, he argued that the harassment of state officials by security agencies could deter foreign investors from coming into the country.
“As the general public can see, the situation in Kano is deteriorating into outright lawlessness, marked by intimidation and abuse of power against state officials.
This is coming from a party that claims it will attract foreign investors to Nigeria. Pray tell, how many investors will consider a society where the rule of law is blatantly disregarded by institutions meant to uphold it?” Johnson questioned.
He linked the ongoing harassment to past controversies involving police interference in state matters, particularly during the Kano Emirate crisis, a period marked by heightened political rivalry and accusations of police bias.
Additionally, the NNPP accused the APC-led government of exploiting state security institutions for political purposes.
