The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a strong condemnation of Governor Abba Yusuf’s directive to stop public protests by students in Kano State.
The directive, communicated through Governor Yusuf’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, instructed the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to arrest and prosecute any students participating in demonstrations.
NANS decried this move as a blatant violation of constitutional rights.
“This directive follows the widespread rejection and resistance by the people of Kano State to Governor Yusuf’s controversial decision to oust the five Emirs of the state and reinstate the former deposed emir, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II,” stated the press release. The association emphasized that the directive disregards the wishes and interests of the people of Kano State,” the statement read.
“NANS wishes to remind Governor Yusuf that this directive is a blatant violation of Chapter 4, Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees the right of every citizen to assemble freely and peacefully. Additionally, this directive contravenes Article 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).”
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The justification for the directive, which cites fears of a breakdown of law and order, was dismissed by NANS as unfounded.
“The right of citizens to peacefully protest is a fundamental democratic principle that cannot be dismissed by unsubstantiated claims of potential disorder,” NANS argued, asserting that the directive is an attempt to silence dissent,” NANS said.
NANS urged Governor Yusuf to respect constitutional rights and allow peaceful demonstrations.
“The governor must understand that the peaceful demonstration is a civic responsibility of the citizens to hold their government accountable,” the statement continued. NANS also called on all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, human rights groups, and the international community, to join in condemning the directive and ensuring the rights of the people of Kano State are upheld.
“We assure the governor that NANS will not stand idle while the rights of students and citizens are trampled upon,” declared Comr. David Barireka, NANS Secretary General.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of students and citizens to express their views through peaceful demonstrations.
