Kano Emirate Tussle: Northern Rulers Call for Restraint

The Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council under the Chairmanship of the Sultan of Sokoto has called for restraint and peace in Kano in the wake of tension in the state.

Following the dissolution of five Emirates and reinstatement of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi as Emir of Kano, there has been tension in the state.

While signing the new Emirates council law which dissolved all the five emirates, Governor Abba Yusuf had directed the deposed emirs to leave official residences and hand over properties to the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs who doubles as Deputy Governor of the state.

However, in what appeared to be a rare moment of surprise, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, one of the dethroned emirs, who was outside the state at the time of the order, returned to the ancient city and made his way to a mini palace in Nassarawa.

Reacting to the development, Governor Yusuf directed the emir’s arrest, but the police however vowed to respect court order stopping Sanusi’s reinstatement.

With Sanusi operating in the main palace and Aminu Ado Bayero operating in the Nassarawa palace, concerns were raised, with stakeholders within and outside Kano calling for authorities to stem the tide of the situation in order to maintain peace in the state.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, clerics, civil society organisations, others, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter so as to prevent the situation from getting out of control.

In a statement on Sunday, the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council called for restraint.

“The Northern Traditional Ruling Council under the Chairmanship of His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto notes with concern the situation in Kano as it affects our revered institution.

“The Council with all sense of responsibility calls for restraint on the part of the disputants in the interest of peace and stability moreso as the matter as the matter has reportedly gone to Court and is therefore sub-judice.

“The Council prays Almighty Allah for peace to reign in Kano in particular and Nigeria in general.”