By Mustapha Salisu
HOTPEN – The 2023 big event in Nigeria is no longer a news to any active citizen, be it in the urban or rural settlement.
No doubt, the drums of election campaigns have been beaten, the bells of the election atmosphere are jingling and as well, the trumpet of election has been blown to call out all active citizens within every nook and cranny of the country to secure their Permanent Voters Card (PVC).
An act which has since seen men, women, youths, old and even people with special needs participating in securing a PVC or renewing the existing ones.
The PVC is believed to be the only instrument citizens can use to vote in credible candidates as well as vote out ailing candidates for the sustainable progress of our dear Nation Nigeria.
As the atmosphere grows in every angle of Nigeria, Kano state which is believed to be the 2nd largest state in the country and also the Commercial heart of the country is not left out in the 2023 political atmosphere.
The popular caption ‘Kano: Tumbin Giwa, Yaro Ko da Me Ka Zo an fika’ connotes that, Kano as a city, is like the belly of an elephant which is large enough to accommodate anything, and that whatever innovation you think you have, in Kano, you are sure to meet someone who has passed that your level of development.
Likewise, the political atmosphere in Kano is absolutely different from that of other states in the country, being a state with a large population and falls among the ‘3Ks States’ in which votes are considered to determine who shall have the key to the Aso Rock Villa. Kano, Katsina and Kaduna respectively are the ‘3Ks States’.
This is the reason why Presidential flag bearers of all parties struggle to secure these states before their opponents.
Speaking of Kano in particular, where the political atmosphere is like another Nigeria itself, very tense! strong political opposition both within the metro and rural settlement.
However, the youths are passionate about electing a credible driver, that will drive our dear country to the promised land that we’ve always longed for.
The Sunday 20th November 2022 one million man march rally to show PVC in support of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Presidential candidate, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saw people of Kano in their thousands taking to the streets to openly declare their support for the candidate.
A rally which was organised and spearheaded by the Director of the North West Tinubu/Shettima campaign support group, Bappa Babba Dan’Agundi, was billed to start by 2 pm, with a large crowd which has started growing since 11 am. Thus, became uncontrollable and started moving from the Emir’s palace and reached its climax at the Government House cenotaph roundabout where the governor of the State, Abdullahi Ganduje received the support group.
According to a narration by the spearheader of the rally, Bappa Babba Dan’Agundi, said the event was planned to have a colourful takeoff with horse riders galloping with their shoulders of victory held high. Followed by power bike riders, motorcycles and lastly tricycle drivers.
All these arrangements sank into the drain despite the presence of heavy security outfits like DSS, Police, Civil Defence, KAROTA and men from the road safety to tame the elegant crowd.
This loosed act, generated gridlock at the show of the PVC walk with more than 23 people confirmed to have slumped due to suffocation by Dr Ashiru from Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH).
It is worth surprising that, despite the uncontrollable procession, banners and posters of opposition were not damaged, knives and other dangerous weapons were not seen flying high, as it used to be the culture of any political rally over the years.
What’s the secret?, Bappa Babba Dan’Agundi revealed that, a day earlier before the rally, he requested custodians of the weapons and other harmful substances to as a matter of solidarity do away with the weapons. So that, the atmosphere will be conducive to everyone.
Upon the successful rally, Dan’Agundi noted that, he has nothing much to say but to thank Almighty Allah who made the rally a successful one.
He wished everyone mercy journey back to their respective destinations with the full confidence of Tinubu’s Victory and grant of the key to access the Aso Rock Villa is a done deal comes 2023 General Elections.
