TheCable

A pro-democracy group known as the Good Governance and Change Initiative (GGCI) has given Abba Yusuf, Kano state governor, a 72-hour ultimatum to stop the demolitions or face lawsuit.

Since he assumed office, Yusuf has been demolishing structures “illegally” built by the previous administration, with the latest being a roundabout located near the government house.

The governor had said the demolition exercise was part of the fulfillment of his campaign promise to “restore” the urban development master-plan of the city.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Okpokwu Ogenyi, the group’s coordinator, said citizens who “genuinely” obtained the lands should be compensated.

“We have watched with keen interest the level of destruction done in Kano metropolis, including the loss of over twenty lives of innocent Nigerians who died during the process of the unlawful demolition of property in the state,” Ogenyi said.

“The government claimed that two persons died but our team members who were in Kano said over twenty persons have died, which is a serious concern for the human rights community.

“The last three weeks have become hell in Kano state with a cry in almost every home within the metropolis.

“We are making this appeal in the national interest because we know the implications of any possible crisis in Kano state–being the most populous state in Nigeria.

“We hereby give Governor Yusuf a 72-hour ultimatum to retrace his steps and stop the ongoing demolition, call the affected persons and group for proper compensation or face legal action.”