APC Slams Kwankwaso, Describes Allegations as Insensitive, Unhelpful

From Aviashima Toom, Abuja 

SahelReporters News - The All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned in strong terms the recent statements made by Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Kwankwaso had accuss the APC-led federal government of attempting to foster a new wave of Boko Haram insurgents in Northern Nigeria and alleged a plot to declare a state of emergency in Kano State to reclaim political control.

In a press statement signed on Tuesday by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described Kwankwaso's comments as "disappointing, highly incendiary, and unconscionable." The party criticized the former governor for making serious allegations without evidence and emphasized the potential of such statements to incite tension and conflict in Kano State.

The emirship tussle in Kano is a current political crisis involving the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, and the reinstated Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II. The crisis began when the Kano state government repealed the law that was used to depose Sanusi in 2020, leading to his reinstatement and the dethronement of Bayero.

The situation has become increasingly tense, with Bayero's supporters protesting his dethronement and the government accusing them of attempting to create chaos. 

The federal government has been accused of taking sides in the crisis, with some alleging that it is backing Bayero. The situation remains unresolved, with the court ordering the state government not to enforce the Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024.

The APC highlighted the sensitivity of the ongoing Emirate tussle in Kano and underscored the importance of responsible leadership in such matters. The party expressed dismay that Kwankwaso, who once held the position of Minister of Defence, would make allegations that could undermine social and political stability.

"It is disturbing that Kwankwaso would so casually accuse the federal government of attempting to create a new breed of Boko Haram terrorists and insurgents," the statement read. "These baseless claims are grossly insensitive and unacceptable, especially given the immense suffering caused by Boko Haram's reign of terror."

The APC reiterated the federal government's neutrality regarding the emirate crisis, noting its commitment to the rule of law and constitutional liberties. The party affirmed that the government has confidence in the judiciary to resolve the dispute fairly and has no interest in influencing the outcome.

The statement also referenced a recent incident involving the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Abdulsalam Gwarzo, who made unfounded accusations against the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Gwarzo later retracted his comments and issued an apology, an act the APC described as a necessary step toward maintaining peace.

Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary of the APC, urged leaders like Kwankwaso to seek peaceful and political solutions to the emirate dispute instead of making inflammatory statements. "The leader of our Party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to peace, security, and unity in Nigeria and should not be unjustly accused of promoting violence," Morka stated.

The APC however called for calm and patience among the people of Kano as the nation awaits a resolution to the crisis. The party emphasized that the residents of Kano deserve to live in an environment of peace, unity, and security.