The Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative has taken a bold step by petitioning the United States, the European Union, China, and other relevant bodies regarding the recent demolition spree initiated by Governor Abba Yusuf-led government in Kano State News About Nigeria reports.
The coalition, represented by its national coordinator, Okpokwu Ogenyi, has called for a visa ban on Governor Yusuf and his family members due to what they deem as “anti-democratic activities and human rights violations.”
These actions were carried out a mere six days after the governor assumed office.
On July 7, 2023, the petition titled “Violation of human rights and anti-democratic actions of Mr Abba Yusuf, the Executive Governor of Kano State: An urgent call for Visa Ban,” has been officially received and acknowledged by the offices of the concerned countries in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Copies of the acknowledged petition were made available to journalists in the early hours of Saturday.
The documents emphasized the coalition’s grave concern over the loss of lives during the demolition exercise, a matter that deeply troubles the civil society organization.
The petition highlighted the coalition’s appreciation for the international community’s commitment to global peace and sustainable democracy, particularly in Africa and Nigeria.
The coalition acknowledged the positive interventions made by these bodies in reversing harsh government policies, reducing corruption, and improving military operations, among other commendable actions.
The letter formally brings to the attention of international bodies the alleged anti-democratic activities and human rights violations orchestrated by Abba Yusuf, the newly inaugurated Executive Governor of Kano State, who assumed office on May 29, 2023.
The petition sheds light on the governor’s decision to initiate extensive demolitions of properties owned by indigenous people of Kano State and investors who had invested their hard-earned resources in acquiring land within the Kano metropolis.
According to the coalition’s investigation, the previous administration had lawfully allocated lands to individuals and corporate entities who had applied for land in Kano State. Some of these land allottees had subsequently sold their plots to other interested parties, providing evidence of financial transactions to the State Government treasury.
One such property that was demolished without due process was a 90-room hotel worth over N10 billion. The hotel was intended to generate employment opportunities for unemployed youths in Kano State while also serving as a resort and transforming a once notorious criminal hideout into a thriving business environment. The coalition finds it disheartening that Governor Abba Yusuf ordered the demolition just six days into his term.
Governor Yusuf also demolished a completed 90-shop plaza in the Kano metropolis without following proper procedures.
He also ordered the destruction of a beautiful roundabout designed and built by a female architect who is an indigene of Kano State but resides abroad.
The roundabout was constructed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Kano State and cost approximately N160 million.
Additionally, properties owned by a Nigerian based in China, who had acquired land and developed it using his life savings, were demolished by Governor Yusuf and state officials.
As of now, Governor Abba Yusuf has overseen the destruction of properties valued at over N206 million, leaving countless families in distress within the Kano metropolis.
The loss of lives during the demolition exercise has raised serious concerns for the civil society organization.
In response, the coalition gave Governor Abba Yusuf a 72-hour ultimatum to halt further demolitions and initiate a roundtable discussion to explore compensation for affected individuals whose houses were destroyed.
However, it appears that the governor has chosen to disregard this plea and has instead marked additional houses for demolition.
It is devastating for property owners to witness their hard-earned assets being destroyed before their eyes. The coalition believes it is imperative to hold Governor Yusuf accountable for his actions.
