Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has publicly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, over what he described as acts of insubordination and unprofessional conduct.
The governor made the demand on Wednesday during an event to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary at Kofar Mata Stadium, Kano metropolis.
Speaking before a large audience, Governor Yusuf accused the police commissioner of deliberately undermining his office as the state’s Chief Security Officer, citing the alleged withdrawal of police personnel from providing security at the independence ceremony despite direct instructions he said he personally issued.
“The Commissioner of Police has embarrassed us by his conduct,” Yusuf declared. “His action is unprofessional, unethical, and contrary to what is expected of a security chief on such a historic day for the people of Kano and indeed for Nigeria as a whole.”
The visibly displeased governor stressed that such behavior was unacceptable and posed a challenge to the effective coordination of security in the state.
“On behalf of myself as chief security officer, and on behalf of the good people of Kano State, I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori — today,” he said emphatically.
The call highlights growing tension between the Kano State Government and the police command, raising fresh questions about the balance of power between elected state executives and federal security agencies.
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Under Nigeria’s constitution, state governors are designated as “Chief Security Officers” of their states, but actual control over the police rests with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the federal government. This structural contradiction has long fueled friction between governors and police commissioners, especially during politically sensitive moments.
Security experts say Governor Yusuf’s outburst reflects deeper frustrations many state leaders face in managing security without direct command of the police.
Dr. Kabiru Adamu, a security consultant, said the development underscores the need for police reforms.
“This latest clash in Kano exposes the long-standing constitutional gap. Governors are held accountable for security in their states but lack direct control over police commissioners, who answer to Abuja. Until this gap is addressed, conflicts like this will continue,” he explained.
Political analyst, Hajiya Maryam Lawal, warned that the governor’s open demand for the commissioner’s removal could escalate tensions.
“Calling for the immediate removal of a commissioner in public may be seen as political interference. It risks worsening the relationship between the state and federal authorities unless carefully managed,” she said.
Another expert, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) John Ojukwu, stressed that due process must be followed.
“While a governor has the right to express dissatisfaction, the removal or redeployment of a commissioner is strictly at the discretion of the President acting through the IGP. What Kano needs now is dialogue, not confrontation,” he added.
It remains to be seen how the Presidency and police authorities will respond to Governor Yusuf’s demand. The issue may reignite national debate on whether Nigeria should adopt state policing, a proposal many governors have long championed but which critics fear could be abused for political ends.
