As the dispute over the throne of the Emir of Kano intensifies, the State Council of Ulama (an association of Islamic scholars) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure measures are taken to maintain peace in the state.
This appeal was made in a statement issued by 18 officials of the council on Saturday and made available to BusinessDay.
The statement emphasized the need for the President’s intervention amid accusations by Kano State Deputy Governor Abdulsalam Gwarzo. Gwarzo alleged that the office of the National Security Adviser provided planes to bring the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, back to Kano.
The Council of Ulamas stated, “It is imperative for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take all necessary steps to maintain peace in the state. Kano State is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria despite its political complexity. The recent happenings in the Emirate, if not carefully handled, could escalate and degenerate into chaos.”
The statement continued, “There is no need for violent enforcement of any order or violent resistance to it, and we vehemently oppose any measures that will bring escalation of conflict in the state. While it is within the purview of the State House of Assembly to enact laws for good governance, the State Government needs the cooperation and support of the Federal Government.”
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The council also addressed the legal aspects of the situation, noting, “The State Assembly amended the Kano State Emirates Law, and the Governor assented to it. One person took the case to court, claiming the law violates his fundamental human rights. He is entitled to his rights. The State Governor also has a responsibility as the Chief Executive of the State, as the act in question has already been completed.”
The Ulamas urged President Tinubu to prevent the royal contest from escalating into violence, emphasizing, “As the leader of the nation, Tinubu should not allow the contest for a royal stool to degenerate into violence. We urge the President to allow the people of the state to resolve the issues amicably without the use of force and loss of lives.”
Highlighting the state’s peaceful history, they added, “Kano State is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. Therefore, we the undersigned call on both contending parties to use civil means in resolving their differences to allow peace to reign in the state.”
The statement concluded with an assurance to President Tinubu: “As major stakeholders in the state, we want to assure Mr. President that we shall reach out to the contender.”
Meanwhile, the emirship tussle continues to generate tension in the state. Both reinstated Emir Sanusi and dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero remain resolute in their respective royal houses. Emir Sanusi is staying at the official palace inside the city, accompanied by Governor Abba Yusuf, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, and other top government officials. On the other hand, dethroned Emir Aminu Bayero is staying at the Emir’s Guest House, Gidan Sarkin Nasarawa, with each of them insisting he is the rightful Emir of Kano.
