Politics
2023: IPAC Kicks Against Suspected Kolo Deployment As Kano CP
The Kano State chapter of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) – the umbrella body of registered political parties in Nigeria, – has rejected alleged plans by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to deploy an infamous commander of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Kolo Yusuf, to Kano as Commissioner of Police.
In a press statement issued after an emergency meeting on Monday in Kano, the Deputy Chairman of IPAC, Hon. Isa Nuhu Isa Danfulani, who is the state chairman of Zenith Labour Party along with fifteen chairmen of other political parties alleged that the Kano state Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and other powerful forces at the centre have lobbied the Inspector General of the Police, IGP to deploy Mr Kolo Yusuf as the new commissioner of police to Kano.
The group who expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged plans, premised their reasons on the antecedents of Kolo, sighting cases of human right violations and unprofessional conduct.
IPAC alleged that Mr. Kolo was involved in a gruesome murder case of a good citizen of Kano in person of Abdullahi Alfa who was beaten to death by the defunct SARS in Kano under the leadership of Mr Kolo, who was found guilty in a suit number FHC/K/H/CS/84/2013 at a Federal High Court in Kano.
The political body also recounted on the efforts of notable leaders such as Late Emir Ado Bayero and Late Bashir Tofa, who wrote a petition against Mr Kolo, praying for his transfer out of Kano.
IPAC however noted that the deployment would also cripple the fragile peace in the state and possibly cause pandemonium during elections because the said police officer is allegedly known for flagrant abuse of power.
According to the statement, “There have been fears over attempt to destroy the peaceful co-existence Kano enjoys ahead of 2023 elections, as it may be recalled that the Governorship Candidate of the ruling APC and his deputy were caught in election malpractice during the 2019 Governorship election.
“The political parties enjoin the IGP and the Police Service Commissioner to carefully select a professional police commissioner to be deployed into the state.
“We wish to also thank the present CP Samaila Dikko who will be retiring soon and the AIG zone one for their professional conduct of duties in Kano.
“As good citizens and political leaders, we want to reassure our commitment to cooperate with any commissioner of police with good character and attitude posted to Kano state, but we unanimously reject the purported posting of CP Kolo Yusuf,” the statement however reads.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.