Kano Emirate Tussle: The Positions of Emirs, Governor, Police, NSA and Kwankwaso
The political situation over the Kano Emirate Tussle is tense. Different personalities, including the two emirs, security officials, and political office holders, react and issue statements.
PRNigeria reports the positions of the gladiators:
Aminu Ado Bayero Speaks
Following his dethronement, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano has emphasized the need for justice to prevail and has urged the people to await the outcome of the legal process. He also highlighted the significance of Kano as an influential state in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for peace and responsible leadership. His commitment to accepting the law’s verdict and promoting justice is a testament to his dedication to the well-being of the people.
Meanwhile his motorcade was being prepared to move to the Emir’s Palace, where will attempt to return to the throne after being deposed by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Bayero has already moved into a mini palace in Nassarawa, despite the governor’s orders to vacate the premises.
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Sanusi Lamido Speaks
The reinstated Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, has commended Governor Abba Yusuf and the state House of Assembly for restoring the state to a single emirate with a first-class emir. Sanusi praised their decision, saying they have preserved traditional institutions, unlike in other northern Nigerian states where they have been “bastardized.”
After receiving his reinstatement letter from Governor Yusuf at Government House, he emphasized that God preordains everything and that His will gives and takes away leadership. He expressed gratitude for his reappointment, noting that it marks a significant moment in Kano’s history, just as his initial appointment did 10 years ago.
Sanusi’s reinstatement comes after his initial dethronement on March 9, 2020, on grounds of insubordination. He was replaced by Aminu Ado-Bayero, who has now succeeded by Sanusi. This marks Sanusi’s second tenure as the Emir of Kano, making him the 14th and 16th emir of the ancient city.
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Security on Alert
Top security operatives have surrounded the mini-palace where Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero resides, amid the unfolding developments in Kano. This move comes after Governor Abba Yusuf reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi, who took up residence in the palace at Kofar Kudu early in the day. However, Ado Bayero returned to Kano and moved into the mini palace later that day, defying the governor’s orders, and he met with senior security officials in the state.
PRNigeria also observes a heavy security presence at the Kano Government House amid the ongoing royal tussle. Security operatives take strategic positions, but movement in and out of the facility remains unrestricted.
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The governor had ordered the police to arrest Ado Bayero for “creating tension,” but the police vowed to obey the court order against Sanusi’s reinstatement. On Thursday, a Federal High Court in Kano issued an ex-parte order restraining Governor Abba Yusuf from reinstating Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. The order also halted the implementation of the new law abolishing the four emirates of Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, and Rano.
The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, announced the security services’ commitment to upholding a court order halting Muhammadu Sanusi II’s reinstatement as Emir of Kano. He emphasized that the Federal High Court order, dated May 23, 2024, is still in effect and will be enforced until it is addressed on June 3, 2024.
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Gover Abba, Deputy Gwarzo Blame Judge, NSA
However, Governor Abba Yusuf faulted the order, claiming the judge issued it from the United States.
He vowed to report the judge for allegedly abusing his office. He also ordered Ado Bayero’s arrest.
His Deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, also accused the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, of facilitating the return of the dethroned Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero, to the palace.
In a video interview at the Emir’s palace in Gidan Rumfa on Saturday, Gwarzo alleged that Ribadu provided two jets to bring Ado Bayero back to Kano, questioning the intention behind this move.
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NSA Ribadu’s Denial
The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has denied allegations that NSA Nuhu Ribadu helped the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, return to Kano on Saturday. Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam had claimed that Mr. Ribadu provided two aircraft for Mr. Ado-Bayero’s return to the city at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday.
However, the NSA’s spokesperson, Zakari Mijinyawa, said the allegation is untrue. He stated that Mr. Ribadu did not provide the aircraft that returned Mr. Ado-Bayero to Kano. Mr. Mijinyawa urged politicians to be mindful of their utterances, as they may jeopardize efforts by security agencies to maintain peace in the state.
“Political actors should desist from misinforming the public as law enforcement officials in the state strive to maintain peace and order,” he said.
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Kwankwaso’s Denial of Involvement
Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, who is also Governor Abba Yusuf’s political godfather, has denied any involvement in the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano. In a recent BBC Hausa interview, Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, clarified that he did not influence Governor Yusuf’s decision to reinstate Emir Sanusi.
When asked about his previous statement in 2023, in which he mentioned that the dethronement of Sanusi would be reviewed, Kwankwaso explained, “I didn’t say I would give a directive. I just said it would be reviewed… When I go there, I will hear what happened, and I’m sure they will tell me whatever happened, and whatever they tell me, we just pray for them.”
Kwankwaso emphasized that he will visit Kano soon to better understand the situation and plans to speak with Governor Yusuf, Assembly members, and particularly the Speaker to get a clearer picture of the events that unfolded.
By PRNigeria
