The Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to intervene and move the deposed 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, out of the state.
According to Nigerian Tribune, the appeal comes amid heightened tensions in the ancient city, with supporters of the reinstated Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and those loyal to the dethroned Emir, Ado Bayero, engaging in protests and counter-protests.
The crisis erupted on Thursday when Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reinstated Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, a move that led to the dethronement of Ado Bayero, who had been on the throne since 2020.
However, Ado Bayero returned to Kano on Saturday and took up residence at the Gidan Nassarawa, the second emir’s palace, amid tight security provided by federal forces.
Both Sanusi and Ado Bayero have since laid claim to the throne, with Sanusi holding court at the main Emir’s Palace, known as the Nassarawa Palace, while Ado Bayero has remained at the Gidan Nassarawa.
The situation has created confusion and uncertainty among the residents of Kano, with fears of potential violence looming.
In the midst of the crisis, the Kano State Deputy Governor had initially accused the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, of facilitating Ado Bayero’s return to Kano by providing him with air transport.
However, Ribadu swiftly denied the allegations, threatening legal action against Gwarzo if he failed to retract the statement and issue a public apology.
On Monday, Gwarzo tendered an apology to Ribadu, acknowledging that they had been misled into believing the NSA’s involvement.
“We apologise to the National Security Adviser, his person and office for any embarrassment and inconveniences this might have caused him,” Gwarzo stated, assuring Ribadu of the state government’s continued support and cooperation.
With the situation becoming increasingly volatile, the Kano State Deputy Governor has now appealed to President Tinubu to intervene and move the deposed Emir, Ado Bayero, out of the state.
Gwarzo’s plea comes amid concerns that Ado Bayero’s presence in Kano could further escalate tensions and potentially lead to a breakdown of law and order.
The Kano State Government has also urged President Tinubu to initiate a deep investigation to unravel the sponsors of violence and those behind the attempts to destabilize the state.
The state authorities have accused the immediate past governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, who is now the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), of using the office of the NSA to create chaos in the state by facilitating Ado Bayero’s return.
Amidst the ongoing crisis, security agencies in Kano have vowed to strictly enforce the law and warned against any acts of violence.
The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, and heads of other security agencies have insisted on obeying a court order that halted the reinstatement of Sanusi, further complicating the situation.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has clarified that its soldiers are only on standby to avert a breakdown of law and order and are not directly involved in the emirship tussle.
Various stakeholders, including the Kano State Council of Ulama (association of Islamic scholars), have called for restraint and urged President Tinubu to intervene to ensure that peace prevails in the state.
The council has warned against the use of force or violent enforcement of any order, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
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