By Olusegun Olanrewaju
The battle for the emirship of the ancient Kingdom of Kano peaked yesterday as street protests reverberated in Gaya and Nasarawa, with differing demands from participants.
Residents poured into the streets to register their grievances over Lamido Sanusi’s reinstatement, as well as protested against the dissolution of the Gaya Emirate by the state government.
Gaya was one of the emirate councils recently dissolved by the Kano State government.
That was after the Kano Emirates Council Law of 2019 was amended to pave the way for the new emir, former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi.
The new law enacted by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)-controlled House of Assembly, annulled the law earlier produced by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and used in 2020 to create the additional emirates.
It was the same legislation that was used late last week to dethrone Sanusi II as the 14th Emir of Kano.
The dissolution of the emirate councils was finalised when the state governor, Abba Yusuf, signed the amendment bill into law on Thursday.
The governor proceeded to order the emirs of the affected emirates to vacate their palaces within 48 hours.
Emir of Gaya, Aliyu Abdulkadir, one of those affected in the ‘shake-up’ was to hand over to the deputy governor, Abdulsalam Gwarzo, who oversees the ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs.
Residents reported that the dethroned emir vacated the palace by midnight on Thursday, with no immediate sign of recourse to violence or resistance.
Armed security personnel positioned themselves in the town, in the bid to maintain public order.
The situation, however, took a turn yesterday morning when the protesters resumed their onslaught on the streets.
Wielding placards and chanting anti-government songs, they accused the government of political motives behind the dissolution and demanded the reinstatement of their emirate and the sacked emir.
Sani Umar, a Gaya resident, narrated his experience to a reporter.
“Some people are not happy with this development. It feels like an injustice to our community,” he said.
Another protester, Yaro Yaro, on his part, stated, “We see this as a political move to undermine our traditional institutions.”
The government, he pleaded, should reconsider its decision ”and respect our cultural heritage.”
Meanwhile, the protesters have pledged their allegiance to the traditional leadership and called for the reinstatement of the Gaya Emirate.
*CISLAC, Arewa group to dethroned monarch: Exit kingdom
As a corollary, a group, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has expressed deep concern over the ongoing power tussle between the reinstated emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the dethroned Aminu Bayero.
In a statement, the CSO warned that ”these developments threaten to plunge Kano State into chaos and anarchy, undermining the peace and stability of the broader Northern Nigeria region.”
The executive director of CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani, in a heavily penned statement, issued a stern warning against any attempt(s) to exploit the situation to declare a state of emergency in Kano State.
“Such actions are viewed as reckless and unnecessary provocations that could dismantle over 1,000 years of Kano’s political heritage,” he submitted.
CISLAC said it also noted ‘with alarm’ that the court ruling, which security operatives are relying on, facilitated the controversial return of Emir Bayero, as the ruling was reportedly issued by a judge ”who is currently out of the country and not in office”.
The organisation added, ”This situation raises significant concerns about the legitimacy and appropriateness of the court order.”
Rafsanjani also condemned what he called ”The reliance on a kangaroo court order to justify the police and other security operatives’ invasion of Kano State (which) is deeply troubling and exacerbates tensions.”
The statement, however, further asserted that the state government holds the constitutional power to appoint and confirm traditional leaders, including the emir.
“The attempt to usurp this power and push the state into a state of anarchy is unacceptable,” Rafsanjani emphasised.
He added, “CISLAC firmly believes that the autonomy of the Kano State Government in managing its traditional institutions must be respected to avoid further conflict.”
CISLAC also urged President Bola Tinubu ”to resist any attempts by desperate politicians to disrupt the peace and harmony currently prevailing in Kano State.
It said, “The Federal Government must not allow itself to be used as a tool to further political interests that jeopardise the stability of the state and region.”
Rafsanjani further warned that, as a staunch advocate for democracy and peace, CISLAC stands firmly against any form of violence and abuse of institutional power in Kano State.
”The organisation calls on all relevant authorities to prioritise dialogue and lawful processes in resolving this crisis.
“Progress in Kano is synonymous with progress in Northern Nigeria. The current turmoil threatens to reverse the significant strides made towards development in the region,” Rafsanjani stated.
His statement added, “Concerned citizens and stakeholders must come together to preserve the integrity and progress of Kano State.”
”CISLAC reiterates its commitment to promoting democracy, peace, and stability in Nigeria.
”The organisation calls for an immediate, peaceful resolution of the current conflict, and urges all parties to respect the rule of law and the rights of the Kano State Government,” the organisation stressed.
Meanwhile, another group yesterday hit harder on the scenario by calling on the deposed emir, Bayero, to exit Kano to give way for peace and tranquillity.
The group, Arewa Social Contract Initiatives, pleaded with Bayero, shortly after an emergency meeting of the 19 northern states in Kano, to quit.
During the meeting, people raised concerns over the presentiment of a befalling crisis in Kano.
National Chairman, Sani Darma, emphasised that Bayero’s actions contradicted the traditions of the Emirate Council and may ignite chaos, harming many lives.
He reminded the dethroned Emir that history would not be kind if he prioritized personal interests over the well-being of the state.
The chairman drew parallels with the peaceful transition of power by other Emirs, including the Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Ado Bayero, and urged Aminu Ado Bayero to follow suit.
He stressed that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s campaign promises included reforming the Kano Emirates, which has been fulfilled, and that Kano residents are content with the developments.
The Arewa Social Contract Initiatives strongly advised the dethroned Emir to relocate and channel any grievances appropriately, rather than jeopardizing the peace and stability of Kano.
They emphasised that the city’s volatility demands responsible actions and that Emir Sanusi’s acceptance by the people is evident in the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in Kano.
As it goes, security agencies in the state have remained on red alert in Kano in case of any eventuality.
They are monitoring the unfolding scenario through what is termed a ‘democracy policing strategy’.
*Sanusi holds maiden palace council meeting, receives allegiance of 40 district heads
The 16th Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, yesterday presided over the first emirate council meeting of district heads and senior traditional council members at the Gidan Rumfa palace.
Presiding over the maiden edition of the expanded council meeting, after his reinstatement on Friday by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has finally assumed the superior responsibility of the emirate.
With no fewer than 40 district heads and significant figures among the senior council members renewing their allegiance to the new emir, the raging tension around the emirship in the state has finally fizzled out.
Upon taking up residence in the palace, 40 district heads and council members prostrated themselves before him, signifying their official endorsement of his position as the rightful Emir of Kano.
Notable among those who paid homage were the five kingmakers, including Madaki, Wali, Makama, Sarkin Bai, and Sarkin Dawaki Mai tuta.
Others included Waziri, Turaki, Sarkin Shanu, Danburan, Dan İsa, Dan Lawan Dan Amar Magajin Gari, Dan Majen, Dan Kade, Matawalle, Sarkin Fulanin Jaidanawa, Magajin Malam, Dokaji, and Dandarman Kano.
The remaining were Marafa, Dallatu, Magajin Rafi, Sarkin Fada, Bunun, Baura, Dan Madamin, Dan Galadima, Talba, San Turaki, Dangoriba, Dan Maliki, Falaki, Yarima, Baraya, Zanna, Yan Daka, Fagaci, Dan Masani, and Wakilin Barden Kano paid their respects.
The emir subsequently met with a group several interest groups including the vigilantes, women’s organizations, private individuals, and well-wishers who had gathered at the palace to show their respect and loyalty.
Before the council meeting, Emir Sanusi was greeted with admiration and jubilation, emerged in-ground style on a white royal horse from his inner palace in the famous Gidan Rumfa, acknowledging warm greetings from his subjects.
The Emir reclaimed his position as Emir on Thursday following the assent of the repeal law by Gov. Abba Yusuf, of Kano state.
The new law overruled the 2019 version, which divided the Kano emirate into five distinct regions and was used as the basis for removing Sanusi as Emir of Kano.
