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Kano CP’s withdrawal at Independence parade undermines Governor Yusuf’s powers, AG
Kola Oyelere Kano
The Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, AbdulKarim Maude( SAN,)has condemned the withdrawal of police personnels from the parade ground during the 65 Independence anniversary celebration, saying that the action constituted security risk and heighten needless tension in the state.
It will be recalled that Governor Yusuf has expressed vote of no confidence on Bakori as Commissioner of Police in Kano, calling for his immediate removal after the withdrawal of officers and men at the independence day parade at Sani Abacha Stadium.
However, the AG specifically accused the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori of undermining the statutory powers vested in Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as Chief Security Officer of the state.
The State Attorney General the added that Kano CP has breached the executive powers of the Governor while exposing him to security threat.
He also reminded that Commissioner of Police is bound by lawful directive of the Governor, especially in matters of public order and security, except for overriding order by the President.
He therefore noted that CP Bakori has failed the dual role of accountability trust between the Governor and Inspector General of Police during the independence day parade.
Although, the Commissioner for Justice cited section 214 (4) of the constitution, as amended, which affirmed the Nigeria Police Force as a single, centralized institution requires the CP accountable to the IGP, he highlighted section 215 which also recognizes the role of Governors in issuing lawful directives to the CP for maintaining public safety and order within their states.
“The CP stands at the junction of dual accountable to both the IGP and the Governor. However the dual accountability structure has led to disputes in the case of national day parade where the CP was absent leading to accusations of sabotage and unethical behavior from the Governor.he said
According to him ” This
incident demonstrates the ongoing constitutional debate about the CP’s accountability and the impact it has on governance, security, and federal balance in Nigeria.
‘ CP is bound by lawful directive of the Governor in matters of public order and security except for the overriding order by the President” he noted .
AG emphasized that “By failing to comply with the Governor’s directive and without invoking the Constitution mechanism of referral to the President, the Commissioner of Police arguably breached the constitutional balance contemplated under sections 214/215 thereby validating Governor Yusuf’s protest and demand against the CP”.
Meanwhile 12 All Progressive Congress (APC) affiliated groups has backed the sacking of Kano state commissioner of police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori following the withdrawal of Nigerian police during just concluded Nigeria 65th year anniversary.
However,the groups includes; Kano State APC Integrity Group, Kano State APC Amalgamation Forum, APC Intellectual Forum, Ganduje Support Group, APC Concern Forum and APC Media Enlightenment Forum.
Others are; Abdullahi Abbas Political Vanguard, Tinubu/Shettma Political Movement, Kano State APC Mager, APC Kano Central Movement, Gawuna/Garo Political Awareness and APC Dan Sarki Organization.
It will be recalled that shortly after the parade, the executive governor of Kano state Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has asked President
Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately remove Bakori from commissionership in Kano accusing him of undermining his power as chief security officer, the development which triggers protest and counter-protest in the state.
However, twelve APC group led by Alhaji Shehu Abdullahi at a press conference in Kano on saturday support Kano governor’s decision and distance themselves from other APC group for supporting the commissioner.
According to Abdullahi, the commissioner’s decision to withdrew from the parade may cause breaking down of law and order in the state which may lead to lost of lives and properties of Kano residents.