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| Emirate Dispute: Kano Citizens Rally for Bayero’s Reinstatement |
Advocates for the ousted Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, took to the streets in peaceful protests yesterday, calling for his reinstatement.
The state has been embroiled in controversy following the reinstatement of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano, four years after his removal.
The struggle for the emirate’s leadership continues between Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero.
Governor Abba Yusuf, after enacting the Kano State Emirates Council Law on Thursday, reappointed Sanusi on Friday and directed the emirs impacted by the law to leave their palaces within two days.
Nonetheless, the state’s police force pledged on Saturday to uphold the court’s decision against reinstating Sanusi.
Bayero remains stationed at the Nassarawa mini palace, guarded by a strong security force, while Sanusi operates from the Gidan Rumfa palace, protected by local vigilantes and hunters.
Yesterday, Bayero’s supporters ignited bonfires on main roads, voicing their dissent through protests and anti-government chants.
Additionally, youths from the Rano Emirate protested yesterday against the removal of Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Inuwa, known as ‘Autan Bawo,’ from his role as the first-class emir of the emirate.
Protest leader Aliyu Harazimi Rano stated that the demonstration was to express their dissatisfaction with the state government’s new law that dissolved the four additional emirates.
He mentioned that the creation of the Rano Emirate had spurred development in the region.
Deposed Karaye Emir Leaves Palace
In the Karaye Emirate, the emir reportedly departed after relinquishing his palace following the emirate’s dissolution.
Insiders indicated that the former emir has moved to Kaduna.
Dethroned Emir of Gaya Accepts Fate
Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, the dethroned Emir of Gaya, has accepted his ousting as divine will.
In a BBC Hausa interview yesterday, he expressed no resentment towards anyone.
He stated he would not contest the decision in court and was willing to serve in another role if the opportunity arose.
He remarked, "Allah ordained this long before our birth. We harbor no ill will towards anyone. It’s Allah’s will, and we wholeheartedly accept it.
“We have no intention of pursuing legal action. We accept our fate with grace.”
In the Gaya Emirate, individuals held a special prayer session yesterday in protest of the emirate’s abolition.
Protesters convened at the Eid ground for a prayer meeting seeking divine intervention.
They then moved to the Gaya Emirate palace, displaying placards expressing their concerns.
They argued that the emirate had delivered unprecedented development and that its dissolution represented a regression.
Officials Visit Sanusi
Reportedly, some commissioners and local council chairpersons visited Sanusi yesterday.
Sanusi later convened a private session with district heads and dignitaries who paid their respects.
Lawmakers Urge Federal Government to Avoid Destabilizing Kano
Opposition federal legislators from various parties, united as G-60, implored the federal government yesterday to refrain from intervening in Kano State’s royal conflict.
In a joint statement, Obi Aguocha of the Labour Party and Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stated, "As members of the G-60 opposition coalition, we reviewed the situation in Kano State concerning Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s reinstatement.
We concluded that the federal government should not disrupt Kano State and should let Emir Sanusi govern peacefully, as federal interference in state chieftaincy matters is beyond its constitutional purview.
"We unequivocally support the Kano State Government’s decision to reinstate Emir Sanusi, whose initial removal and banishment were an affront to the esteemed traditional institution. Correcting this wrong has the backing of all who cherish peace and justice.
We were surprised by the alleged involvement of top federal security agencies in facilitating Bayero’s return to the palace by providing two private jets. However, since they have denied these claims, we will give them the benefit of the doubt.
“We, and many Nigerians, will not stand idly by and watch our cultural heritage’s custodian be undermined by any entity using federal resources funded by taxpayers.”
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Urges Governor Yusuf to Uphold Rule of Law
The Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation advised the Kano State Government to honor the rule of law for the state’s and Nigeria’s peace and stability.
Foundation chairman Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi made this statement during a press briefing in Bauchi yesterday.
He said, “For peace’s sake, we seek justice. With the court’s involvement to maintain order, we expect all parties to adhere to the rule of law for peace’s sake.”
Sheikh Ibrahim called on the deposed emirs to prioritize peace and stability.
He encouraged the National Assembly to amend the constitution to shield traditional rulers from politicians who might misuse their power to appoint or dethrone them at will.
On Sunday, stakeholders opposed the action, stating the emirate had brought progress to Bichi town.
Bichi Stakeholders Disagree with Emirate’s Dissolution
Bichi stakeholders, from one of the emirates dissolved due to the repealed Kano Emirates Council Law, voiced their displeasure with the decision.
They said, "We laud the judiciary for their brave constitutional interpretation, upholding democracy and separation of powers in Kano State. Your commitment to justice and citizens’ rights is commendable.
"We also recognize the security agencies’ professionalism and commitment to maintaining state peace and order amid recent political events. Your efforts have allowed our community to live in peace and security, and we are thankful for your sacrifices.
We appreciate the judiciary and security agencies’ independence and impartiality, which has fortified our democracy and safeguarded citizens’ rights and dignity," part of the statement read.
Security Agencies Uncover Plot to Attack State Assembly
The Kano police command and other security agencies reported yesterday that they had discovered a scheme by some troublemakers to target the State House of Assembly and other key locations within the state.
The joint security chiefs, led by Police Commissioner Mohammed Usaini Gumel, revealed this at a press conference in Kano last night.
The CP stated, "Today, we address a critical issue concerning the state’s security, which we and the security forces have been managing since the chieftaincy affairs arose.
"We have credible intelligence about miscreants planning to cause chaos at places, especially the House of Assembly and other strategic sites in the state. This has been confirmed by numerous sources.
"Anyone considering challenging the law will find that security is well-prepared to handle any troublemakers. We have finalized our strategy to conduct thorough patrols and surveillance in areas where we've been alerted to the presence of these troublemakers.
"We will initiate a door-to-door search for anyone who believes they are above the law. Kano will remain secure, and no one can supersede the decision.
"The chieftaincy matter has been resolved by the executive branch of government. We are committed to the law and will rigorously enforce it."
He mentioned that various groups have been organized and compensated with N150,000 to commence the assault starting from Sunday evening.
Reported by Salim Umar Ibrahim, Ibrahim Musa Giginyu (Kano), and Ahmed Mohammed (Bauchi)."
