Kano re-run is do or die: Centre calls for arrest of APC chair

The Centre for Information Technology and Development, CITAD has
called for the arrest and investigation of the Chairman, Kano state
chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji
Abdullahi Abbas over alleged inciting remarks to his party
supporters ahead of the state’s supplementary governorship
election.

The Curbing Dangerous and Hate Speech Project Coordinator,
CITAD, Malam Hamza Ibrahim made the call on Thursday in a phone
conversation with Daily Trust shortly after he had issued a
statement drawing attention of relevant agencies to the spate of
dangerous speeches preceding the re-run election.

It could be recalled that the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) on Monday declared the state governorship
election inconclusive, and thus scheduled a new date for the re-run
in 172 poling units across the 44 local government areas of the
state.

Ibrahim emphasized the need for the security agencies across the
country to be pragmatic in their approach to curbing dangerous and
hate speeches so as to serve as deterrent to others.

The centre in a statement signed by Malam Ibrahim identified as
dangerous for peace of the state the video trending on social
media, depicting the party chieftain encouraging team of supporters
to ensure the party emerges victories in the re-run at all
cost.

Ibrahim described Abbas’ remarks as disturbing and dangerous for
peace of the state as well as the country’s democracy.

Kano APC Chairman telling thugs that they
are untouchable and would win this election by hook or crook or
violently and any police officer that arrests them can lose his
job. Please RT for the world to see. pic.twitter.com/XiuVY8m04A^[1]

— Nobility (@Tunjiyussuff) March
13, 2019^[2]

“As an organization that works in the area of peace building,
the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) is
greatly concerned with this bad development. Very disturbing in
this respect is the viral 58 seconds video clip of Chairman of All
Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Abdullahi Abbas addressing youth
in a clear inciting and dangerous manner on the coming
election.

“The remarks constitute serious danger to the election and
period beyond as they licensed the listening youth to beat up
anybody they so wish because soldiers and police will do nothing to
them.

“The second danger is the reiteration of Hon. Abbas’ earlier
statement that the election will be won by them either in chaos or
conflict. We regrettably condemn these remarks. They are highly
disturbing amidst a fragile situation of election cancellation and
plan for rerun by the national electoral body.

“Elections come and go, therefore, no citizen or body no matter
how highly placed should be allowed to jeopardize its conduct if
our democracy is to be safeguarded and strengthened. In particular,
no election should cost the life anyone in the state.

He also enjoined the youths to understand the hope society
places in them by resisting any provocation to cause chaos before,
during and after the rerun election.

Speaking further Ibrahim condemned the recent invasion of
Nassarawa collation centre by some political thugs during collation
process, calling on relevant security agencies and the Coalition of
United Political Parties (CUPP) to sanction the perpetrators of the
electoral offence and their political party accordingly.