Nuhu Ribadu,[/b] the national security adviser, made headlines on Thursday when, at an Abuja event, he referred to Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano.
Gistreel reported that a few months ago, Bayero and Sanusi Muhammadu Sanusi, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), fought it out for the position of Kano Emirship. This intense rivalry culminated in a power struggle that captured public attention and political discourse in the region.
Former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje deposed Sanusi from the throne and named Bayero the new Emir back in March 2020. This decision was met with various reactions, as Sanusi's removal stirred controversy among his supporters and sparked debates on the legitimacy of the Emirate's leadership.
But four years later, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Ganduje’s replacement, fired Bayero and put Sanusi back in place, reigniting the longstanding feud between the two. This decision further complicated the political landscape in Kano State, leading to protests and appeals for legal intervention by both factions.
Bayero, whose removal was announced while he was outside the state, returned to Kano and took residence in the mini palace at Nasarawa, where he has been conducting his court. Despite the change in leadership, Bayero's influence and support base remained strong among certain segments of the community, raising questions about the stability of the Emirate and the authority of the current government.
Subsequently, Governor Yusuf ordered the immediate arrest of the monarch, a move that was viewed by many as an attempt to undermine Bayero’s authority and diminish his political clout in Kano. This directive sparked a wave of protests and demonstrations in support of Bayero from his loyalists, who viewed the action as an attack on traditional leadership.
However, rather than complying, security measures were intensified at the mini palace, leading to speculation that Bayero had support from federal authorities, which added another layer of complexity to the situation. Observers noted that the federal government's involvement in state matters could set a precedent for future interventions in local governance issues.
Reacting to the development, Aminu Gwarzo, the Deputy Governor of Kano, claimed that Ribadu played a role in Bayero’s return by providing him with two private jets. This allegation sparked controversy and raised questions about the political dynamics at play in the ongoing Emirate dispute. Gwarzo's comments reflected the underlying tensions between different factions within the Kano political landscape, suggesting that alliances and support networks were shifting.
Ribadu denied these allegations and threatened legal action against Gwarzo. In a letter from Aliyu & Musa Chambers, Ribadu’s legal representatives, an apology was demanded from the deputy governor, who subsequently retracted his statement. This exchange illustrated the volatile nature of politics in Nigeria, where public statements can quickly escalate into legal battles and public relations crises.
The dispute over the emirate eventually transitioned to the judicial system, with both parties filing separate lawsuits against each other. Legal experts indicated that the outcome of these cases could have significant implications for the future of traditional leadership in Nigeria and the balance of power between the state and traditional institutions.
Today, during the 1st Annual International Lecture organized by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, themed “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024),” Ribadu acknowledged Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano. This public recognition marked a notable moment in the ongoing saga and raised eyebrows given the recent tensions surrounding the emirate's legitimacy.
While recognizing the dignitaries present, Ribadu stated, “Of course the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero,” which was met with applause from the audience. The gesture was seen by many as a move towards reconciliation and acknowledgment of traditional authority in a politically charged environment.
According to reports, the video clip has sparked a wide range of responses on social media, with many commentators weighing in on the significance of Ribadu's statement and its potential ramifications for the emirate and the state of Kano.
View the video clip that user [rabiuuba4] published on X below.