Hundreds of demonstrators mobilized in Kano during the early hours of Monday to voice their discontent with the government regarding the ongoing demolition efforts taking place throughout the state.
Large crowds of protesters assembled and urged the Kano State government to reconsider its decision to proceed with the destruction of properties.
The recently elected governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has already overseen the demolition of numerous buildings, while several others have been identified for demolition.
The government’s justification for these actions stems from its claim that the land upon which the affected structures were erected was allocated unlawfully by the previous administration.
However, the protesters, marching in their numbers held placards with inscriptions such as “Gov Yusuf, your action is sending away investors,” “Don’t bring insecurity to our state, Mr Governor,” and “Let the law take its course”.
They congregated at the site of the demolished Daula Hotel before marching to the police headquarters to register their grievances.
“If the incumbent governor has any issues with his predecessor, we urge him to summon him to answer questions, instead of punishing innocent Nigerians and destroying their investments,” Zahraddeen Sani Baba of the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative said on behalf of the demonstrators.
In the meantime, Governor Yusuf has announced his intention to reconstruct the demolished silver jubilee monument, but in a more secure location away from the state government house roundabout.
According to a statement released by the governor’s acting spokesperson, Hisham Habib, on Sunday night, the new silver jubilee monument will be situated at the Naibawa flyover, which is a few kilometers away from the city.
Habib’s statement emphasized Governor Yusuf’s dedication to infrastructure development in Kano State.
Furthermore, Habib revealed that Governor Yusuf had a meeting with Kaltume Hana, the architect of the Golden Jubilee edifice, at the new site where the structure will be constructed.
“The Kano state government is dedicated to fostering infrastructural development while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region,” Habib said.
“The relocation of the roundabout design is a testament to this commitment.
“Governor Yusuf said the place is suitable for the work and will not pose any challenge after a careful survey was conducted and assured the citizens of better projects ahead.”
Yusuf initially said he approved the demolition of the monument citing security reasons.
The monument was constructed in 2017 to mark Kano at 50 by the immediate past governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.
It was shortlisted among demolished properties by the new government in its bid to restore Kano state’s masterplan.
