The Kano State Commissioner of Police has come under intense criticism after boycotting Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade in Kano on October 1, 2025.
The police were conspicuously absent at the event, which was attended by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, members of his cabinet, traditional rulers, and other top dignitaries.
The governor, visibly displeased, described the Commissioner’s action as “unethical, unprofessional, partisan, and a disservice to the people of Kano State.”
Adding weight to the governor’s condemnation, constitutional and human rights lawyer, Hamza N. Dantani Esq, issued a strongly worded statement describing the Commissioner’s decision as an affront to the Constitution and a breach of his professional oath.
The Constitutional Imperative
Dantani reminded the Commissioner that under Section 176(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the governor is recognized as the Chief Executive of the state.
More importantly, Section 14(2)(b) of the same Constitution makes security and welfare the primary purpose of government.
He explained that Section 215(1)(b) provides for a Commissioner of Police in every state, while Section 215(4) makes it mandatory for the Commissioner to comply with lawful directives from the governor regarding the maintenance of public order and safety.
“The Constitution is clear. The governor gives lawful instructions, and the Commissioner of Police is bound to comply. The courts, from AG Anambra State v AG Federation to Chukwuma v COP, have reinforced this position. Anything contrary is a breach of constitutional duty,” Dantani stressed.
Condemning Partisanship
The lawyer accused the Commissioner of partisanship and insubordination, warning that politicizing the police force poses grave dangers to public trust and stability.
“By withdrawing from the independence parade, the Commissioner acted in a way that sends a dangerous message — that the police can be manipulated for political ends. This is unacceptable. The police are a public trust, not a political weapon,” he declared.
Advice to the Kano CP
Dantani then issued five clear pieces of advice to the Kano Police Commissioner:
1. Respect Constitutional Authority – Recognize the governor as the state’s Chief Security Officer.
2. Comply with Lawful Directions – Section 215(4) obligates obedience to the governor’s instructions.
3. Avoid Politicization – The police must remain neutral and professional.
4. Work with the Governor – Both offices serve the same purpose: protecting lives and maintaining order.
5. Seek Dialogue, Not Conflict – Disagreements should be referred to the President, not expressed through open defiance.
Dantani concluded by warning that undermining the governor’s authority destabilizes governance and endangers the people.
“The Constitution is unambiguous. The Commissioner of Police is appointed to help the governor discharge his duty of ensuring peace and security. To act otherwise is to subvert constitutional order and betray the trust of the Nigerian people,” he said.
The lawyer called on the Commissioner to retrace his steps, align his actions with the law, and restore public confidence by ensuring that the police in Kano remain a neutral institution dedicated to the protection of lives and property.
Kano CP Warned: Respect Constitution, Stop Undermining Governor
