The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, on Saturday, denied allegations that he facilitated the return of the deposed Emir, Aminu Bayero, to the state.
Bayero returned to Kano early morning on Saturday and moved into a palace in Nassarawa LGA of the state, while the reinstated Emir, Muhammad Sanusi II, occupied the palace.
As tension rises in Kano, the state governor, Abba Yusuf, ordered Bayero’s arrest after his arrival into the city.
Yusuf’s Deputy, Aminu Gwarzo, alleged that Ribadu facilitated the return of Bayero to the palace by providing him with two private jets.
“The national security adviser gave two jets to bring the dethroned emir to Kano and to bring him to the place. We have not understood their intention,” Gwarzo said.
But, in a statement by his spokesman, Zakari Mijinyawa, Ribadu described the allegation as “untrue.”
“I read the comments on social media, it is untrue. The NSA did not provide air transport to anyone to Kano.”
“Political actors should desist from misinforming the public as law enforcement officials in the state strive to maintain peace and order,” the statement read.
No need to sesolve Emirship tussle with force
Meanwhile, Ulamas in Kano on Saturday expressed concern over recent happenings in the emirate, urging the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency allow peace reign.
The Ulamas made the call in a statement signed by the council led by Shaikh Abdullahi Uwais Limanci.
According to them, the recent happenings in the emirate could escalate and degenerate into chaos if not carefully handled.
“Kano State is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria despite its political complexity. The recent happenings in the Emirate if not carefully handled could escalate and degenerate into chaos. It is imperative for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take all necessary steps to maintain peace in the State.
“While it is the purview of the State House of Assembly to enact Laws for good governance, the State Government needs the cooperation and support of the Federal Government. The State Assembly amended the Kano State Emirates Law and the Governor assented. One person took the case to Court that the law violates his Fundamental Human Rights. He is entitled to his rights.
“The State Governor also has responsibility as the Chief Executive of the State as the act in question has already been completed. Therefore there is no need for violent enforcement of any order or violent resistant to it, and we vehemently oppose any measures that will bring escalation of conflict in the State.
“Mr. President as the leader of the nation should not allow the contest for a royal stool to degenerate to violence. We are calling on Mr. President to allow the people of Kano State to resolve these issues amicably without use of any force and loss of lives. Kano State is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, therefore we the undersigned call on both contending parties to use civil means in resolving their differences to allow peace to reign in the state. As major stakeholders in the state, we want to assure Mr. President that we shall reach out to contenders.
“May the Almighty Allah bring peace and prosperity to our nation as a whole.”
Don’t be used to destablise Kano, CISLAC tells FG
Also on Saturday, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) cautioned the President Bola Tinubu administration to resist any attempts by desperate politicians to disrupt the peace and harmony in Kano State.
Executive Director of CISLAC, Mallam Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, made the call in a statement, warning against any attempts to exploit the situation to declare a state of emergency in Kano State.
Rafsanjani expressed concern over the ongoing power tussle involving the two royals.
“The federal government must not allow itself to be used as a tool to further political interests that jeopardize the stability of the state and region.
“These developments threaten to plunge Kano State into chaos and anarchy, undermining the peace and stability of the broader Northern Nigeria region.
“Such actions are viewed as reckless and unnecessary provocations that could dismantle over 1,000 years of Kano’s political heritage,” Rafsanjani said.
He also expressed concern that the court ruling, which security operatives are relying on, facilitated the controversial return of Emir Aminu Bayero.
He noted that the said ruling was issued by a judge who is currently out of the country and not in office.
“This situation raises significant concerns about the legitimacy and appropriateness of the court order. The reliance on what CISLAC describes as a ‘kangaroo court order’ to justify the police and other security operatives invasion of Kano State is deeply troubling and exacerbates tensions,” he said.
He insisted that the state government holds the constitutional power to appoint and confirm traditional leaders, including the Emir.
“The attempt to usurp this power and push the state into a state of anarchy is unacceptable. CISLAC firmly believes that the autonomy of the Kano State Government in managing its traditional institutions must be respected to avoid further conflict,” he further stated.
He urged all relevant authorities to prioritize dialogue and lawful processes in resolving this crisis.
“Progress in Kano is synonymous with progress in Northern Nigeria. The current turmoil threatens to reverse the significant strides made towards development in the region.
“Concerned citizens and stakeholders must come together to preserve the integrity and progress of Kano State,” he added.
The CISLAC boss called for an immediate, peaceful resolution of the conflict and urged all parties to respect the rule of law and the rights of the Kano State Government.
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