•Abba Yusuf
Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf, yesterday insisted that the dethroned Emir, Aminu Bayero, must vacate the Nasarawa Palace where is currently staying.
The governor’s Media and Publicity Director General, Sanusi Bature, said the Nasarawa mini palace is a graveyard which Bayero must vacate for necessary renovation. He spoke on Arise News television on Friday.
He disclosed that Aminu Ado Bayero was never an Emir of Kano, but only an Emir of the eight metropolitan local government areas which have been abolished.
Speaking on the notice given to Emir Bayero to vacate the Nasarawa palace, Bature said the property being occupied by Bayero is not a palace or mini palace but a graveyard for Kano emirs which also serves other purposes as well and would require renovation.
He said, “The Nasarawa palace we are talking about is not a palace. It is actually a cemetery for late Emirs of Kano, not a palace. Another part of it is used as a guest house for very important visitors of the palace. It is where the emir used to rest for a short while when he is coming back from an annual festival during the Sallah celebration.”
Bature expressed concerns over the safety of Bayero staying in the Nasarawa palace.
He said: “Aminu is living in a graveyard. He forced himself into that property. We want to renovate it so it can be used for its original purpose and for Bayero’s safety from the defective structure.”
Regarding the deposition of Emir Aminu Bayero, Bature clarified, “Aminu Ado Bayero was never an Emir of Kano. He was appointed Emir of eight metropolitan local governments of Kano city.”
Bature pointed out that with the repeal of the 2019 Emirate Law which had created additional emirates like Bichi, Karaye, Gaya, and Rano, Bayero’s jurisdiction no longer exists as originally intended.
“With the revision of the law under one united Kano, the emirate that Bayero served does not exist again. The main emirate was bastardised by Abdullahi Ganduje under the 2019 Emirate Law which created Bichi, Karaye, Gaya, and Rano emirates.”
Clarifying the reason for Bayero’s recognition as the 15th Emir of Kano state, he said, “Bayero was 15th Emir of Kano but his jurisdiction is not for the 44 local governments of Kano. It’s just only for the eight metropolitan governments which are now abolished and the judge in his ruling affirmed the validity of the law.”
He emphasised the historical significance of the emirate, stating: “The emirate of Kano predates Nigeria and its constitution.”
Bature criticised the actions of the previous administration under Ganduje, accusing it of politicising and undermining the emirate’s integrity. He asserted, “His excellency, Abba Yusuf, promised to restore the lost glory of the state during his campaign, and he is only fulfilling his promise.”
The governor’s spokesman also discussed legal matters surrounding the emirate, mentioning ongoing appeals and jurisdictional challenges.
“We have filed an appeal at the appellate court and will pursue this case rigorously. It’s a fight to finish,” he asserted.
Bature affirmed the reinstatement of Sanusi II as Emir stating: “Emir Sanusi II was duly reinstated under the new emirate law that unified Kano under one emirate.”
Meanwhile, the police yesterday faulted the Kano State government, particularly Governor Abba Yusuf, on their stand on the emirate crisis.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a police officer said the governor caused the entire crisis because of his “arrogance and abuse of court orders.”
The respondent, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), queried the governor and his aides for insisting to evict Aminu Bayero when the case is still in the court.
“I am not in the position to speak to journalists on this matter, but the CP (Commissioner of Police) and the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) have spoken a lot on this saga.
“Like the CP said, obeying the governor’s eviction order would be like jumping the gun.
“The same government has appealed the case at the appellate court, which is coming up on the 24th of June, 2024. So, why not wait for the outcome in the court? What if the court rules in favour of Bayero?,” he asked.
Reacting on the state government’s insistence to demolish the Nasarawa palace where deposed Emir Aminu Bayero is staying, the police source said no one would be allowed to come near the property with a bulldozer, except if Governor Abba Yusuf drives a bulldozer and carries out the demolition by himself.
“Can’t you see that we have barricaded all the four entry points to the area? Where will the bulldozers pass?
“Except, if the governor drives a bulldozer by himself, given his immunity, we shall allow him to do his wish, but we shall video-record him and file our report,” he said.
He reminded that if Nigeria was operating state police, by now Kano would have been on fire.
“These are leaders clamouring for state police. This is the second time the governor is ordering us to evict Bayero. The first order was voided by the court, which asked the state government to pay Bayero the sum of N10 million as damages as it affects his fundamental rights of movement and civic liberty.
“Now, he (governor) has come up with another order and even threatening to demolish the place where an emir – whether deposed or on the throne – is staying.
“Now, imagine if the police were under him; officers and men of the Force would have had no choice than to obey his order to evict or harm Bayero or do whatever he would have commanded them to do against him and Kano would have been in blood by now.
“However, that has not been the case, we have been able to maintain law and order in Kano, protecting the two emirs,” he said.
He praised the Commissioner of Police, Ussain Gumel, for his wisdom in ensuring peace and stability in Kano State up to this moment.
He regretted that, “Gumel has been promoted to the rank of AIG and will be handing over and leaving on Monday,” he said.
Gov warns security agencies against going outside designated responsibilities
Speaking at the 15th weekly meeting of the Kano State Executive Council held at the Government House, yesterday, Governor Abba Yusuf, cautioned security agencies in the state against meddling in matters beyond their designated responsibilities.
The governor’s warning follows the state Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, rejection of the order of the attorney general of the state to evict the deposed emir from the Nasarawa Palace.
The governor in a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature said, “Governor Abba Kabir expressed disapproval of the recent upsurge in Thuggery and clashes involving Yan daba, affirming that the government will not passively observe while unscrupulous elements endanger the relative tranquility and harmony enjoyed by the law-abiding citizens of the state.
“He reiterated that under his administration, the state government is diligently collaborating with relevant security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the populace and their possessions at all times.
“Furthermore, Governor Abba Kabir cautioned Judges against the unwarranted release of thugs, emphasizing the threat they pose to the welfare of the state’s residents and stressing the importance of prompt and equitable dispensation of justice.
“Alhaji Abba Kabir also instructed security agencies to strictly adhere to their mandated duty of safeguarding the lives and properties of the citizens they serve, warning against involvement in matters beyond their designated responsibilities.”
