Labour suspends protest rallies in Kano

The Kano state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended protest march in the state in order to mourn those who lost their lives during clashes with anti-riot police on Monday.

The state Chairman of the council, Isa Yunusa Danguguwa, confirmed the suspension to journalists but quickly added that the action was only temporary as the council would meet on Tuesday evening to work out modalities on the next line of action.

“Our suspension does not invalidate the strike as we will continue with it, but I call on all workers to remain at home and await communication from us soon.”

The labour leader said he was impressed with the observance of the strike in the state with all commercial activities in the state grinding to a halt on Tuesday as the protest entered its second day.

Meanwhile a Nigerian Airforce helicopter was seen hovering over the city ostensibly to forestall a repeat of Monday’s ugly incident in which three people were said to have lost their lives.

Normalcy has returned to Kano city, even as the government has imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. as part of efforts to avert any breakdown of law and order.

Reports from Kano say over 20 vehicles were burnt at the office of the secretary to the state government while the fence of the government house was also brought down by the rioters.

The police also appear to have withdrawn from some streets in the city, as only a handful of them were seen at Silver jubilee roundabout (Tahrir Square) and the palace of the Emir of Kano.

In their absence members of the Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps and Hisbah guards were seen stationed at strategic locations.

Streets remain deserted as only few people were seen on the road. Banks, markets and government offices also remain closed, while traders shut their stalls.