By Milcah Tanimu
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has denied allegations of writing a letter to the Senate accusing the Federal Government of laying siege to Kano State due to the ongoing Emirate leadership tussle.
In a statement issued on Friday in Lagos, NNPP National Chairman Dr. Agbo Major clarified that the party had no involvement in the letter sent to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, by Dr. Ajuji Ahmed on June 24. The letter, titled “Need for NNPP Federal Lawmakers to Make Urgent and Concerted Efforts to Immediately End the Siege on Kano State by Agents of the Federal Government,” was not authorized by the NNPP leadership.
Dr. Major emphasized that Dr. Boniface Aniebonam is the founder of the NNPP, the holder of the party’s registration certificate, chairman of the board of trustees, and a life member of the board. Dr. Major serves as the national chairman, and Mr. Oginni Sunday is the national secretary.
The NNPP maintains that the Kano Emirate leadership crisis is an internal matter for Kano State residents to resolve under their cultural and traditional practices. Political party involvement is deemed inappropriate. Dr. Major stressed that the issue is currently before competent courts, and any interference by the National Assembly would further complicate the situation.
He added that the tension resulting from the state government’s actions necessitates vigilance and enhanced security in Kano to prevent a breakdown of law and order. Dr. Major urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Elder Buba Galadima to adhere to court orders and seek legal remedies if needed.
Dr. Major also stated that the NNPP, as a registered political party, has no interest in engaging in controversy with the Federal Government or its agencies, particularly security institutions. The letter from Dr. Ahmed should be disregarded. In a proper setting, NNPP lawmakers would raise such matters on the floor of the National Assembly, but since the issue is in court, they should follow legal procedures.
He called on the elders and elite of Kano State to come together to resolve the internal chieftaincy crisis and urged Governor Yusuf to focus on providing quality leadership and avoiding unnecessary tensions.
Dr. Major appealed to the Senate to disregard the unauthorized letter from expelled NNPP members.