Protesters on Monday took to the streets of Kano to express their strong opposition to the ongoing demolition exercise by the state government.
The protesters who staged the protest in front of demolished structure erected at the old Duala Hotel, carried different placards to express their displeasure against Governor Yusuf’s action
Some of the placards carried by the protesters read ‘Your action Governor Yusuf is sending investors away, stop this bad action, ‘Your demolition action is political, ‘the demolition is vendetta’ and ‘we did not vote for you to demolish structures’.
The government’s rationale behind the action is that the land on which the affected structures were built was unlawfully allocated by the previous administration.
Asserting the need to restore the Kano Urban Development Masterplan, which includes the removal of structures constructed in public spaces, the government remains resolute in its stance.
However, the protesters demanded that the government reconsider its decision.
Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, Zahraddeen Sani Baba of the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative stated, “If the incumbent governor has any issues with his predecessor, we urge him to summon him to answer questions, instead of punishing innocent Nigerians and destroying their investments.”
The protest signifies the mounting concerns among citizens who fear the negative impact of the demolitions on the state’s economy and overall development.
While the government emphasises its commitment to restoring order and adhering to established regulations, critics argue that alternative solutions should be sought to resolve any issues concerning the allocation of land and property.
