KANO/Nigeria: The former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has openly criticized the Federal Government’s decision to deploy soldiers in Kano amidst an escalating tussle over the throne of the ancient city
Abubakar, in a statement posted on his verified account on X (formerly Twitter), described the action as a threat to the peace and security of Kano State and a violation of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The controversy centers around the recent legislative actions by the Kano State House of Assembly (KSHA). Exercising their constitutional duties of law-making, the KSHA passed the amended Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024. This legislative move, in accordance with Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, sought to undo the 2019 law that divided the historic Kano Emirate into five distinct emirates.
Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf swiftly signed the bill into law, thereby reinstating the unified Kano Emirate and, in consultation with the traditional Kingmakers, reappointed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, also known as Muhammadu Sanusi II, as the 16th Emir of Kano. This legal and traditional process culminated in the issuance of an official appointment letter to Sanusi.
Despite the lawful proceedings, early today at around 5:30 AM, the situation took a contentious turn. The former Emir of Kano, His Majesty Aminu Ado Bayero, accompanied by federal forces, made an unexpected entrance into the Nasarawa Palace, one of the key palaces of the Kano Emirate. This occurred while the newly reappointed Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, was at Gidan Dabo, the primary residence of the Emir of Kano.
Atiku Abubakar’s statement emphasized Kano State’s long-standing reputation for peace and harmony, which he claimed is now at risk due to the federal intervention. He highlighted the state’s resilience and peaceful adaptation following the dethronement of Muhammadu Sanusi II on March 9, 2020, as an example of Kano’s ability to maintain peace without external interference.
“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,” Abubakar asserted in his statement.
The deployment of soldiers in the region has sparked widespread concern among residents and political analysts, raising questions about the federal government’s role and intentions in the local traditional affairs of Kano. Critics argue that this intervention undermines the autonomy of state governance and traditional institutions as provided by the Nigerian constitution.
As the situation continues to unfold, the people of Kano and observers across the nation are closely watching the developments, hoping for a resolution that respects both the rule of law and the rich cultural heritage of the Kano Emirate.
