Writing By Khadijah Aliyu; Editing By Godwin Duru
A civil society organization, One Kano Agenda, has urged the Federal Government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the last-minute withdrawal of police personnel during the Independence Day celebration in Kano, and to hold those responsible accountable.
Speaking to Newsmen in Kano, the Convener of One Kano Agenda, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim Yakasai, stressed that Independence Day is not just a date, but a solemn moment of reflection, celebration, and renewal of Nigeria’s collective identity.
“It is the day we honor the sacrifices of our founding fathers, recommit ourselves to the ideals of unity and progress, and teach our children that freedom and nationhood come with responsibility,”
Yakasai emphasized that Independence Day must remain above politics, with the Federal Government ensuring that all states can mark the occasion with dignity and security.
He also called for renewed trust in security institutions by guaranteeing professionalism, fairness, and independence in their operations.
Reflecting on Kano’s experience, he lamented that the 65th Independence Anniversary celebration in the state was nearly derailed following the police withdrawal announced barely 30 minutes before the ceremonial parade.
“This was more than a logistical setback it was an affront to the spirit of independence itself. While every other state held its celebration in full, Kano’s was disrupted. This act struck not only at the dignity of the state but also at the very purpose of Independence Day: a collective celebration of our shared nationhood,”.
The activist described the incident as part of a disturbing pattern of disruptive interference targeting Kano in sensitive social and cultural matters.
“When institutions charged with maintaining law and order are drawn into political schemes, the peace and unity that Independence Day seeks to symbolize are put at risk,”
He further appealed to the youth and peace-loving people of Kano to reject manipulation into division or violence, urging them to safeguard the state’s harmony and Nigeria’s unity.
Despite the setback, Yakasai commended the resilience of Kano citizens who carried on with the celebration, describing their perseverance as proof that the true spirit of independence lies not in official parades, but in the determination of a people never to be broken.
He called on citizens, civil society, and traditional leaders across Nigeria to rise in defense of independence as a living, daily commitment to justice, unity, and dignity.
One Kano Agenda is a non-profit, patriotic organization committed to the peace, unity, and progress of Kano State.
COV/Khadijah Aliyu
