From Garba Abdullahi Bagwai, in Kano
The Kano State Government has warned traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, political actors and members of the public against making statements or taking actions capable of encouraging unlawful disobedience, confrontation or disturbance of public peace.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Justice and Constitutional Matters, Aminu Hussaini, in response to a circulating video in which the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, expressed views on the recent restrictions on Durbar activities and the ongoing judicial proceedings concerning the Kano Emirship.
The Special Adviser said that while citizens have the right to express opinions on matters of public interest, the interpretation, clarification and enforcement of court orders remain matters for the courts.
He explained that an individual’s interpretation of a subsisting judicial order does not, by itself, confer legal authority to disregard a lawful directive issued by a competent public authority.
According to him, where any person believes that a government directive is inconsistent with a court order, the appropriate step is to seek judicial clarification or other legal relief, rather than declare an intention to disregard the directive or encourage others to do so.
The statement stressed that the ongoing judicial proceedings should be allowed to run their course without being prejudged or used as a basis for confrontation between citizens and constituted authorities.
The government therefore urged all stakeholders, particularly traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, political actors and members of the public, to exercise restraint and ensure that their statements and actions do not threaten public order.
It maintained that legitimate disagreements could be expressed, while legal grievances should be pursued through the courts, stressing that lawful directives remain binding unless they are set aside, suspended or otherwise varied by a competent authority.
The Special Adviser reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s commitment to the rule of law, constitutional rights, judicial independence and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
He added that the government would not allow any individual or group to turn a legitimate dispute into a challenge to public order.
He warned that attempts to mobilise people to defy lawful directives, obstruct lawful authority or disturb the peace would be dealt with promptly and in accordance with the law.
