Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Accusations Against Police Command
- Governor's Response
- Maude's Comments
- Constitutional Issues
Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, AbdulKarim Maude (SAN), has criticized the police command for withdrawing from the Independence Day parade, stating that this decision has created a security risk and unnecessary tension in the state.
He accused the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, of undermining Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s constitutional role as the Chief Security Officer of the state.
Governor Yusuf had already expressed his loss of confidence in CP Bakori and called for his removal after police officers declined to participate in the October 1 parade at Sani Abacha Stadium.
In response to the controversy, Maude stated that the Commissioner of Police ignored the governor’s authority, leaving him vulnerable to security threats.
He emphasized that police commissioners are expected to follow lawful directives from governors regarding public order and safety, unless the president issues a contrary order.
The Attorney General argued that Bakori neglected his duties to both the governor and the Inspector-General of Police during the parade. He referenced sections 214 and 215 of the Nigerian Constitution, which indicate that while the police operate as a centralized force under the IGP, governors also possess the authority to issue lawful directives to CPs in their states.
Maude pointed out that CPs frequently encounter “dual accountability” to both the IGP and governors, which can lead to conflicts.
In this instance, he asserted that Bakori’s absence from the national day parade constituted sabotage and misconduct.
“This incident highlights the unresolved constitutional question regarding a CP’s loyalty and its impact on governance, security, and the federal balance in Nigeria,” he remarked.
According to him, by rejecting the governor’s order without escalating the matter to the president as permitted by the constitution, CP Bakori disrupted the balance between federal and state powers. Maude concluded that this validated Governor Yusuf’s protest and his call for the commissioner’s removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for the police command's withdrawal from the parade?
The police command withdrew from the Independence Day parade, which created security risks and unnecessary tension in Kano State, according to the Attorney General.
What did Governor Yusuf say about the police commissioner?
Governor Yusuf expressed a loss of confidence in CP Bakori and called for his removal after the police did not participate in the parade.
What are the implications of the police's actions according to the Attorney General?
The Attorney General argued that the police commissioner's actions undermined the governor's authority and highlighted unresolved constitutional issues regarding the loyalty of police commissioners.
