The march towards 2015 General Election took a dangerous dimension in Kano Wednesday, July 16, 2014 following calls by youths under the auspices of Arewa Youth Development Foundation for the division of Nigeria as a political entity.
The protest that was held outside the palace of the Emir of Kano shortly after a courtesy call on the on the monarch, attracted hundreds of youths believed to be students drawn from tertiary institution in Kano.
Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, appealed for calm and enjoins the youth to imbibe the lesson of peace in their entire endeavour considering the critical role they play in nation building.
Sanusi II told the protesting youths during a courtesy call on him that “it is only natural that people of different and divergent culture to live in one entity as a nation, and I enjoin you people to imbibe the lesson of peace considering your role in nation development”.
The youth carrying placard with inscription that support the dissolution of the country hold a rally outside the palace and was addressed by the Secretary General of the Group, Comrade Alfred Solomon who declared that their stand was informed by what he called “continued intimidation of Northerners by the federal Government.”
Some of the placard bore the message “Hold your petro dollars, let everyone goes his direction”, Southerners are not welcome here in the north”, Southerners must Go, Shegu” Nigeria belong to all of us not militants” we say no to Northern identification in southern Nigeria”.
Other messages on the placards also reads “Southerners are militants, kidnappers/ rituals, armed robbers, drug pushers, terrorists, sons/daughters are products of baby factory”.
A prepared speech jointly signed by National President and Secretary General, Barrister Aliyu M Usman, and Alfred Solomon respectively but read by the Secretary General during the protest urged northerners to “rise and support agitation for peaceful dissolution of this union called Nigeria for every region to go its own way.”
Alfred directed that “we urged all artisans, students, public and private sector servants , traders business holders currently operating, residing or intending to do so in any part of Nigeria to relocate back home within the next two weeks”.
Alfred Solomon in the same vein further advised non Northerners residing in any part of the northern Nigeria to relocate to their various regions of origin within two weeks to make room for accommodating our northern brothers who would be returning home.
Solomon noted that the “measure would bring an end to the mutual suspicion that is presently causing some southern states to demand Northerners to obtain resident (sic) permits and perhaps any similar action that may arise from northern state Government as a consequence”.
The rally that was originally schedule to criss cross designated streets in Kano was cancelled while no reason was given also by the organizers for canceling of visit to the Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso at the Government House.
