Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the federal government’s deployment of soldiers in Kano amidst the escalating controversy over the Emir of Kano throne.
In a statement released on social media platform X, Atiku warned that the peaceful nature of Kano, a historically tranquil commercial hub, is at risk due to the actions of the Bola Tinubu-led administration.
“The action of the Federal Government in deploying soldiers in Kano in the tussle over the throne of the ancient city is an upset to the peace and security of the state and also in breach of the 1999 Constitution as Amended,” Atiku asserted.
The conflict erupted following the Kano State House of Assembly’s passage of the amended Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024, in accordance with Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf promptly signed the bill into law, effectively nullifying the 2019 legislation that divided the Kano Emirate into five smaller entities. In consultation with Kano’s Kingmakers, Governor Yusuf reappointed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, also known as Muhammadu Sanusi II, as the 16th Emir of Kano, issuing him a letter of appointment.
Tensions escalated early Saturday morning when former Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, bolstered by federal support, entered the Nasarawa Palace. This move occurred while the newly reinstated Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, was residing at Gidan Dabo, the primary residence of the Emir of Kano.
Atiku’s statement underscores the historical significance of Kano’s stability, stressing, “We need to remind the Tinubu administration that Kano State is known for peace and harmony spanning thousands of years, and any attempt to destabilize the peace of the Land of Commerce shall be resisted.”
The backdrop to this confrontation includes the dethronement of Muhammadu Sanusi II on March 9, 2020, by then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. Following his removal, Aminu Ado Bayero was installed as Emir. However, Governor Yusuf, who succeeded Ganduje, reversed this decision, sacking Ado Bayero and other emirs appointed by Ganduje, giving them a 48-hour ultimatum to vacate their palaces.
In a dramatic turn of events, Governor Yusuf reinstated Sanusi II on Friday, issuing a reappointment letter, and reaffirming his position as the Emir of Kano.
Ado Bayero, recently returning from a visit to the Awujale of Ijebuland in Ogun State, proceeded to a smaller palace in the Nassarawa area, a move seen by many as a defiant gesture against the state government’s actions.
As the situation unfolds, the long-standing peace in Kano hangs in the balance.