Political tensions have escalated in Kano State as the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) raises alarm over what it describes as persistent harassment and attempted arrest of Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, the Director-General of Media and Publicity to the Kano State Government. The controversy has drawn attention to the complex interplay between law enforcement, political power, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
According to a strongly-worded statement issued Thursday by NNPP National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson, the Nigeria Police Force has allegedly disregarded a standing court injunction protecting Dawakin-Tofa from arrest. The situation has reportedly forced the government official into hiding, highlighting growing concerns about the politicization of law enforcement institutions in the country.
The controversy appears to stem from a petition reportedly filed by Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kano State, or individuals acting on his behalf. This development has intensified the already strained relationship between the NNPP-led state government and the ruling APC at the federal level.
Johnson’s statement painted a troubling picture of the situation, emphasizing that the harassment extends beyond Dawakin-Tofa himself to include his family members. The NNPP spokesperson characterized these actions as a “flagrant violation of the rule of law and an abuse of power,” suggesting that the directives for these actions originate from federal authorities in Abuja.
The political implications of this crisis extend beyond immediate partisan concerns, touching on broader issues of governance and economic development. Johnson pointedly questioned the APC-led federal government’s claims about attracting foreign investment to Nigeria, arguing that such apparent disregard for legal institutions would likely deter potential investors. How many investors will consider a society where the rule of law is blatantly disregarded by institutions meant to uphold it?” he challenged.
This latest controversy has also reignited memories of previous tensions between law enforcement and political actors in Kano, particularly during the well-documented Emirate crisis. The NNPP has suggested that these incidents form part of a pattern that threatens to tarnish the professional reputation of the Nigeria Police Force.
The situation has prompted the NNPP to appeal directly to Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, urging him to prevent the force from becoming embroiled in partisan political disputes. The party’s statement emphasized Egbetokun’s professional reputation while calling for his intervention to uphold the rule of law and protect Dawakin-Tofa’s fundamental human rights.
This developing situation in Kano highlights several critical challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic institutions. The alleged disregard for court orders by law enforcement agencies raises serious questions about the separation of powers and the independence of various government institutions. It also underscores the ongoing tension between federal and state authorities in Nigeria’s federal system.
The controversy comes at a particularly sensitive time for Nigerian politics, as the country grapples with various challenges including security concerns, economic pressures, and the need to maintain investor confidence. The accusation that federal institutions might be being used for political purposes adds another layer of complexity to these challenges.
As this situation continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in maintaining law and order while respecting democratic institutions and individual rights. The outcome of this controversy could have significant implications for the relationship between state and federal authorities, the independence of law enforcement agencies, and the overall health of Nigeria’s democratic system.
The coming days will likely prove crucial in determining whether this situation can be resolved through legal and institutional channels, or whether it will further escalate the political tensions in Kano State. The response of the Inspector-General of Police to the NNPP’s appeal could prove particularly significant in shaping the trajectory of this developing crisis.
