The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) has reached out to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through a formal letter, expressing grave concerns about the escalating tension in Kano State.
The assembly, representing the youth across the nineteen Northern States and Abuja, suspects that certain individuals within the President’s administration may be trying to incite disorder in the region.
The letter, dated May 25, 2024, was also disseminated to key international and regional bodies, including the United Nations Office in Abuja, the European Union Embassy, the Economic Community of West African States in Abuja, the United States Embassy in Abuja, the British High Commission in Abuja, the US Congress, and the European Union. This broad circulation underscores the urgency and seriousness of the assembly’s concerns.
Signed by the President of the Northern Youth Assembly, Dr. Ali Idris, and the Secretary General, Dr. Garba Abdulhafiz, the letter highlights apprehensions regarding recent amendments to Kano State’s emirate law. The assembly warns that some individuals are exploiting these legal changes to create unrest, and any federal intervention could exacerbate the situation.
The letter read: “As representatives of the Northern Youth Assembly, with chapters in the Nineteen Northern States and Abuja, we feel compelled to inform you of the developments regarding the Kano Emirate.”
The Northern Youth Assembly emphasizes Nigeria’s federal structure, which grants state assemblies the power to legislate for their states’ welfare. They refer to the 2019 amendment to Kano’s Emirate Councils Laws and its recent repeal by the current state assembly as critical points of contention.
The youths specifically accuse National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and others of plotting to forcibly reinstate the ousted Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, through the use of federal security forces under the guise of a court order. They argue: “This blatant encroachment on constitutional democratic practices undermines sub-national authority and constitutes interference in their constitutional powers.”
The letter warns that such federal interference could severely damage President Tinubu’s reputation as a democrat and provoke significant unrest among the 20 million residents of Kano, with potential repercussions throughout the Northern region.
“We urge you to maintain peace and respect democratic institutions, as any attempt to disrupt Kano’s stability could reflect poorly on your administration and invite animosity from the people of Kano and Northern Nigeria,” the letter concluded.
This plea for caution and respect for democratic norms underscores the Northern Youth Assembly’s commitment to preserving stability and constitutional governance in Nigeria.
