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Category: Kano Update

  • ‘Ganduje Would Have Made My Life Miserable’ – Sanusi Opens Up On His Dethronement

    ‘Ganduje Would Have Made My Life Miserable’ – Sanusi Opens Up On His Dethronement

    The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has disclosed the reasons behind his decision not to contest his dethronement by the immediate past Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje.

     Ganduje had, before leaving office, dethroned the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and subsequently banished him from the mega city in March 2020.

    At the time, the development had stirred mixed reactions among concerned stakeholders.

    However, Sanusi, who Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration recently reinstated, shed light on the incident, which happened years ago.

    The Emir told Sun Newspaper that the Kano emirate is large and has a number of deserving people, which means he lacks the basic entitlement to hold the position of Emir.

    When asked why he didn’t challenge his dethronment, Sanusi said, “A number of reasons. I have told you that I don’t have a fundamental right to be an Emir. I am one of hundreds of princes. God chose me. And if God says I should leave, for me, I take it that God knows better than me. That was why I had to leave.
    Okay, let’s say I go to court. Let me even say this; I just got a letter that said I had been dethroned for insubordination.

    “I had never been queried for insubordination.

    “The details of the insubordination were not given. I had not been given any chance to defend myself. So, it was clear that the state and the federal governments had both decided that it was time for me to go. Okay?”

    According to Sanusi, even if he had gone to court and the court returned him, he wouldn’t be able to hold the position with Ganduje as a governor.

    Sanusi added: “So, let’s even assume that the court said I should come back. Do you think I was looking forward to working with that government? Would I have been happy as an Emir in the last three years working with that government? You’re under a governor. The law gives him the power to be on top of you. He has said he doesn’t like you. He has made it clear he does not like you. If I came, he would just make my life miserable.

    “It was going to be one story after the other. One fake story, one social media insult after another, and in my position, I won’t be able to respond. So, for me, I had a happier life in Lagos with my friends, publishing my book, doing my PhD, doing my UN work, doing my Tijaniya work, than sitting here in a constant fight with the government.

    “Secondly, look at the Emir of Gwandu, who was removed under Obasanjo. How many years now? Almost 20. The state High Court said he was illegally removed, and returned him. So, there was an appeal. The Court of Appeal said he was illegally removed and returned him. It is at the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has not yet spoken out about him. I mean, do I have 20 years to fight in court to come back to a throne?

    “So, for me, I had been Emir for six years, alhamdulillah. I had done what I did. At least, the only reason I would have gone to court is if they had removed me on an allegation that harmed my reputation because the only currency I have is my integrity. So, if they had accused me of fraud or something, I would have had to go to court to clear my name, but they said insubordination.

    “So, the governor was asked, what are the reasons for insubordination? He said, that sometimes he is invited to meetings, and he does not come. For every well-meaning Nigerian who saw that story, who saw that news, I don’t even need to defend myself because if you are going to remove an Emir and the only reason you can have is that you invite him for some meetings that he does not come, then nobody takes you seriously. Everybody knows that this was not the reason. So, I always felt that if it was God’s will that I come back, if not, I’d go and continue my life.

    “So, I didn’t go to court to challenge my removal. I went to court to challenge their attempt to keep me in exile and under house arrest to enforce my fundamental human rights but I did not go to court to challeng

  • Why Police Won’t Evict Ado Bayero – Kano CP Replies Gov Yusuf

    Why Police Won’t Evict Ado Bayero – Kano CP Replies Gov Yusuf

    The Kano State Police Commissioner, AIG Usaini Gumel, has responded to Governor Abba Yusuf‘s directive on the eviction of the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

     Yusuf had on Thursday night, through the State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Dederi, directed the CP to remove the deposed 15th Emir of Kano from the Nasarawa mini palace where he is staying.

    However, Gumel, in an interview with PUNCH on Friday, said obeying Governor Yusuf’s eviction order would be equivalent to jumping the gun.

    According to the Commissioner of Police, the same government that gave the order had filed a case at the State High Court on the eviction order, which would come up on Monday, 24th June 2024.

    He said, “The police will not evict the deposed Emir because the same government has filed a case at the State High Court on the eviction order, which would come up on Monday, 24th June 2024.

    “The government is jumping the gun because the same government has filed a case on the eviction order, which is coming up on the 24th of June, 2024. So, if we carry out the order, it is like we are pre-empting the court because we don’t know what will happen at the court.” 

    While the CP had yet to comply with the governor’s directive, one of Bayero’s supporters, who spoke with the aforementioned publication, confirmed the deposed Emir was still in the mini palace receiving the traditional greetings from some traditional rulers loyal to him.

    The supporter also debunked the report that a bulldozer has been stationed at the palace in readiness to demolish the place.

    The source said, “Let me tell you, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero is still in the mini palace and as I am talking to you now, he is receiving the “traditional greetings” from those loyal to him.

    “I heard that there is a rumour going around in some quarters that a bulldozer has been stationed at the Nasarawa mini palace ahead of the demolition. This is a social media propaganda.”

  • BREAKING: Bulldozers Move In To Demolish Bayero’s Nasarawa Palace

    BREAKING: Bulldozers Move In To Demolish Bayero’s Nasarawa Palace

    As Security Operatives Block Entrances, Excavators and bulldozers have been seen driving towards the Nasarawa Palace of deposed 15th Emir of Kano State, Aminu Ado Bayero.

    This is coming after security operatives on Friday blocked all entrances to the Nasarawa mini Palace, the current residence of Bayero

    Security operatives reportedly took the action to prevent miscreants from getting in the way of the Nasarawa Palace’s scheduled demolition.

    Recall that the Kano State government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Yusuf, had instructed the Police to remove the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado, from the Nasarawa Palace.

    The government said the palace is set to be demolished to allow for a reconstruction and renovation.

    The Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi, who was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Baffa Bichi, gave the order while addressing newsmen at the government house on Thursday.

    Dederi submitted that Bayero is trespassing on government property, and the State Commissioner of Police has been ordered to remove him.

    The Commissioner insisted that the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, remains the Emir and urged the people of the state to remain peaceful in the face of the recent court order which he claimed validated the dissolution of the five emirates carried out by the state government.

  • Court ‘Postpones’ Ruling On Kano Emirate Tussle

    Court ‘Postpones’ Ruling On Kano Emirate Tussle

    A Federal High Court in Kano has postponed its judgement on the Council Repeal Law 2024 to 2 pm, Thursday.

    The court judgement was initially scheduled for 12 pm today but was moved before noon.

    Recall that the incumbent Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, had dethroned the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and also overturned the establishment of four emirates in Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya, by his predecessor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

    A newly passed state law was also used to reinstate the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was ousted by Ganduje in 2020, as the 16th Emir of Kano.

    However, a key figure in Kano emirate, Aminu Babba Danagundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, contested the legality of the law and requested the court, through his lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), to declare the law invalid.

    The judge, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, upon receiving the motion last Friday, adjourned the case to Thursday for consideration of the request.

    The judge will also issue a decision on a request for a stay of proceedings made by A.G. Wakil, the lawyer for the State Attorney General and Kano State Government, who was also involved in the lawsuit against Danagundi.

    This case is of significant interest as it will shape the future direction of the emirate dispute.

    The Kano State command of the Nigeria Police Force has since admonished the public to remain peaceful and patriotic as the Court delivers its ruling.

    In a statement issued earlier, the command’s spokesman, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, reiterated the commitment of the command to protect lives and property while warning against any attempt to incite violence.

    “In collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, the command will strictly enforce the ban on public protests, processions, and unlawful gatherings imposed by the state government.

    “Violators and their sponsors will face legal consequences. Adequate security personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order.

    “The public is urged to cooperate with the security forces and provide actionable information to preserve peace and detect deviants. Non-state actors, including vigilantes and hunters, are advised to refrain from participating in security operations under any guise,” he said.

  • Emirship Tussle: Why I Ordered Bayero’s Arrest – Gov Yusuf Opens Up

    Emirship Tussle: Why I Ordered Bayero’s Arrest – Gov Yusuf Opens Up

    Governor Abba Yusuf has explained his reasons for ordering the arrest of the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, an action that led to the court awarding ₦10 million in damages to the monarch.

    The Governor, through his spokesman Sunusi Bature, stated that he ordered Bayero’s arrest because Bayero returned two days after his dethronement to reclaim the palace, causing unrest in the state.

    In response to the article ‘A Rendezvous with Recklessness and Executive Rascality’ by Bala Ibrahim, Bature defended Governor Yusuf against claims of recklessness and executive misconduct.

    The Federal High Court in Kano recently ordered the state government to pay Bayero the sum of ₦10 million for violating his fundamental rights, personal liberty, and freedom of movement.

    In a court session led by Justice Simon Amobeda, the court cited Sections 35(1) and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

    It was ruled that Yusuf’s decision to order Bayero’s arrest without lawful justification was unjust. This decision led to Bayero being put under house arrest due to the fear of being arrested.

    Exploiting the ruling as an opportunity, Bala Ibrahim derided and lambasted the governor for his alleged power abuse and reckless decision-making, notably the demolition of structures and the issuance of Bayero’s arrest warrant, resulting in compensation being granted to all affected parties by the court.

    However, the governor’s spokesperson said: “Does Bala Ibrahim actually understand the workings of government and governance?

    “I do not want to go into judicial pronouncements, but the point I want to make clear is that the issue of Kano Emirship is straightforward with the repeal of the Kano Emirate Law (2019) and enactment of Kano Emirate Law (2024), which gave Governor Yusuf the power to abolish the five emirates and return Kano to its glorious and historic position of one emirate.

    “This is the wish of the people of Kano state.

    “The reappointment of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II did not also come to anyone as a surprise, because his dethronement and consequent banishment by Abdullahi Ganduje and his co-travellers was done out of malice.

    “Now, calling for the arrest of dethroned Emir Aminu Bayero was only done for public good as his entrance into Kano, shortly after his dethronement posed a serious security threat which is being managed up till today.

    “Governor Abba Yusuf remains the Chief Security Officer of Kano state, and no sane leader would fold his arms and watch Kano snowballs into a state of anarchy without taking action.”

    The governor also defended the demolition of buildings, stating it was aimed at reclaiming public property illegally acquired by former Governor Ganduje, his associates, and family.

    He emphasized the exercise’s necessity to prevent individuals from misappropriating public funds and resources.

    Despite criticism from figures like Bala Ibrahim, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to Kano state’s welfare and socio-economic advancement.

  • Why We Halted Durbar Activities – Ado Bayero 

    Why We Halted Durbar Activities – Ado Bayero 

    The 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has felicitated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on the occasion of Sallah festivities.

    The Emir also announced that the durbar ceremonies earlier scheduled were halted following recommendations of the security and for peace to continue to reign in the State.

    The Emir made the remarks while delivering a broadcast at the Nassarawa mini palace on Saturday.

    He said, “On this day when all Muslim faithful are observing the day of Arafat, we felicitate with all during this important occasion.

    “Eid is practiced and we are taught by our holy prophet to sacrifice animals if we are opportune to. For those who cannot afford it, we pray to Allah to grant them what to sacrifice.

    “We therefore felicitate with the President and the Governor on the occasion of Sallah and we pray that God gives them the courage and strength to deliver.

    “We call on them to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, protection of their lives and properties while also the people should pray for their leaders.

    “We have lifted all durbar activities following the recommendations of security operatives for peace to continue to reign.”

  • Enemies Of Kano Distracted Gov Yusuf For One Year – Kwankwaso

    Enemies Of Kano Distracted Gov Yusuf For One Year – Kwankwaso

    Leader of Kwankwasiyya movement and the Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has accused the opposition in Kano of distracting government for one year.

    Kwankwaso reacted to the development during the occasion of the declaration of the State of Emergency on education in Kano State.

    He said, “Let me start by congratulating him on this historic day, the day the governor is declaring a State of Emergency on education. For those who are aware that the governor has been working from day one you can see his footprints everywhere across the state.

    “Despite the fact that the governor was distracted for about one year. Immediately after election, enemies of the State took him to Court – Tribunal, Appeal Court to Supreme Court. We have seen what happened even when they knew that there is no need to go to any Court or tribunal. Everybody knew that he won his election.

    “Even the enemies were saying that they wanted to take it by force because they believe they have a government. Despite all that, the governor has been working and obstacles after obstacles, we don’t know what is happening and what has happened in this state but the governor is moving.

    “In fact that reminds me of our situation during my second term when two months after my swearing in as governor, we had Boko Haram attacks in mosques, attacks in markets, police stations, schools and everywhere we were focused and ensured that we were not distracted.”

  • Strike Stalls Court Hearing On Kano Emirate Tussle

    Strike Stalls Court Hearing On Kano Emirate Tussle

    The ongoing nationwide strike action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has impacted judicial proceedings, leading to a postponement of the much-anticipated hearing on the Kano emirate tussle at the Federal High Court in Kano.

    The court, which is presided over by Justice A. M. Liman, was scheduled to deliberate on an exparte motion concerning the Kano State Emirate Council’s recent upheaval.

    This legal action was initiated by Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, challenging the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law.

    This law dissolving the five Kano Emirates reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano.

    Justice Liman had previously granted an order to maintain the status quo ante, effectively pausing any actions to implement the controversial law until a detailed review could be conducted on the Fundamental Rights application filed by the parties involved.

    However, the strike has put a temporary halt to this judicial review, affecting not just the parties directly involved but also the broader implications for governance and traditional authority structures within Kano State.

    As the court awaits the resolution of the labour strike to resume normal operations, the future of the Kano emirate remains uncertain. The legal and social communities eagerly anticipate the next steps in this high-stakes judicial process.

    The court order reads: “That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.

    “That in view of the constitutional and jurisdictional issues apparent on the face of the application, parties shall address the Court on same at the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application, which is fixed for the 3 of June, 2024.

    “That in order to maintain the peace and security of the state, an interim injunction of this Honourable Court is granted restraining the 5th 8th Respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing, and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law.

    “That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill into pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.

    “That leave is granted to the Plaintiff/Applicant to issue and serve their Concurrent Originating Motion as well as all other court processes on the 6th Defendant in FCT Abuja and outside the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.

    “That an Order of this Honourable Court marking the Plaintiff/Applicant’s Concurrent Originating Motion as well as all other court processes to be served on the 6″ Defendant in FCT Abuja and outside the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court is granted,” the court order, however, reads.

    The court, however, adjourned the case until June 3, 2024, to hear the Fundamental Rights application.

    However, on the adjourned date of June 3rd, 2024, the court could not hold it as expected due to the strike, as a source at the court informed Vanguard that the matter had been postponed until further notice.

  • Tension in Kano as Sanusi, Bayero plan Friday prayer at palace’s mosque 

    Tension in Kano as Sanusi, Bayero plan Friday prayer at palace’s mosque 

    There is noticeable apprehension among Kano residents as the reinstated Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, is set to lead the two rakat congregational Friday prayers today at the Emir’s palace Friday mosque.

    This announcement was made in a statement signed by Danburan of Kano on Thursday evening.

    The statement invites residents to attend and listen to the sermon to be delivered by Sanusi.

    Similarly, another statement from an aide of the deposed Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, invites residents to join him at the emir’s palace Friday mosque to observe the Jumu’at prayer.

    It further mentions that the movement to the emir’s palace mosque begins at 12:30 pm.

    However, the police authorities have yet to comment on the situation to prevent any potential disruption of law and order.

    Effort to contact the Public Relations Officer of the Kano Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna failed as his mobile phone number was not going through.

  • Rivers Traditional Ruler Urges Presidential Intervention in Kano Emirship Dispute

    Rivers Traditional Ruler Urges Presidential Intervention in Kano Emirship Dispute

    In a bid to address escalating tensions surrounding the Emirship tussle in Kano State, HRH Appolus Chu, the Egbere Emere Okori of Eleme, Rivers State, has issued an appeal to President Tinubu, calling for immediate intervention to safeguard the revered institution of the Emir of Kano.

    In his appeal to President Tinubu, HRH Chu highlighted the broader implications of the dispute, stating, “The throne of the Emir of Kano transcends mere governance; it embodies centuries of tradition and serves as a pillar of cultural identity.”

    He expressed deep concern over attempts to politicize and undermine the authority of traditional rulers, warning of potential repercussions for peace and stability.

    “The traditional institution remains a beacon of stability, especially in times of crisis,” Chu affirmed, noting its pivotal role in community cohesion and governance. He urged all parties involved to respect a recent court order maintaining the status quo ante, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in preserving peace.

    Recognizing Kano’s significance as an economic hub and home to millions, HRH Chu appealed for concerted efforts to restore calm and respect for traditional authority.

    He urged President Tinubu to intervene decisively to avert further escalation and uphold the rule of law.

    Kano finds itself in the midst of a contentious dispute over the Emir’s throne.

    Governor Abba Yusuf recently enacted legislation repealing the Emirates law, resulting in the removal of five emirs.

    This move also reinstated deposed Emir Sanusi Lamido, who was previously dethroned under former Governor Ganduje’s administration.

    However, Emir Ado Bayero has opposed his dismissal and initiated legal proceedings in response.