Over 1,000 Nasarawa residents celebrate Kano Governor’s Supreme Court victory

By Umar Egbunu, Lafia

At least 1,000 members and supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement converged on Keana, the headquarters of Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State to celebrate the Supreme Court victory of the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Our correspondent reports that the Court of Appeal had in affirming the sack of Governor Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), held that the governor did not meet the requirement of the section, specifically Section 177(3), which stated that a person shall be qualified for election to the office of Governor of a State if “he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party”.

Our correspondent also reports that APC had argued in the petition that Governor Yusuf was not a member of the NNPP as at the time of the election based on the membership register of the NNPP submitted to INEC before the election and could not have been said to have been legally sponsored by the party.

Our correspondent further reports that the Kwankwasiyya movement which has the ‘red cap’ as its symbol, was initiated by a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso to assist the less privileged in the society and to expand his political structure.

Addressing thousands and loyalists of the Kano state governor during the celebration of the Kano State governor’s victory at the Supreme Court, the Convener of the group in the Keana LGA of the state, Usman Dikko, appreciated President Bola Tinubu for not interfering with the Court’s ruling, noting that his action would go a long way in strengthening democracy in the country.

According to him, the Supreme Court to also deliver a fair judgement in the Nasarawa State governorship election dispute to ensure the peace and unity of the state.

He said, “The Kwankwasiyya movement was formed to uplift the poor people to become great in their various endeavors. We have seen that happen on several occasions in Kano State when so many people are being sponsored to study abroad by the state government, among other empowerment programmes that benefits the less privileged people.

“The Kano State Governor is a full member of the Kwankwasiyya movement, that is why we have gathered here today to celebrate his victory at the Supreme Court. Though, there were challenges at the Tribunal and Appeal Courts but we are happy that he finally won the case.”

“We want to thank President Tinubu for not interfering in the process and allowing the true winner of the election to emerge victorious.

“We are appealing that just as the Supreme Court judges thoroughly looked at the Kano State case, they should also carefully look at the Nasarawa State case and identify with the popular mandate of the people in the interest of the existing peace in the state,” he concluded.

Declaring the event open, the National Organising Secretary of Kwankwasiyya movement, Muhammed Shuaibu, urged the Kano State Governor not to betray the people trust who stood firm against all odds to vote for him during the 2023 governorship election.

His words, “So far, the governor has started well. He has empowered so many people with skills and jobs since he assumed office. I want to urge him to continue to be a good leader to his people so that they will always be proud to have him as their governor.”