Some days ago, I wrote about the unfolding tension in Kano state. The drama was as gripping as anything you’d see in “Game of Thrones.” Just a day after being reinstated, Muhammadu Sanusi II received his appointment letter as the Emir of Kano, despite a Federal High Court order preventing Governor Abba Yusuf from doing so. Little did I know that this battle would get fiercer. The events from Saturday till now have been nothing short of a royal rumble, and thus, we present to you “Game of Thrones: Kano Edition, Season 2.”
A Return Fit for a King – Or Two
On Thursday, Governor Abba Yusuf signed into law the Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment Number 2) Law, 2024. This amended law abolished the five emirate councils of Kano, Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya, and reinstated Emir Sanusi II, who had been deposed in 2020. The governor made this grand announcement with a ceremony worthy of a medieval coronation, complete with the deputy governor, Speaker Isma’il Falgore, and other top officials in attendance. The reinstatement of Sanusi was celebrated like the return of a banished hero.
Meanwhile, the deposed Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, wasn’t going down without a fight. He landed at the Aminu Kano International Airport on Saturday at 4:30 AM, greeted by supporters, and made his way to the Nasarawa palace. Bayero’s appearance in the Nasarawa palace, which typically falls under the jurisdiction of the Kano Emirate, only added fuel to the fire. Governor Yusuf immediately ordered Bayero’s arrest, accusing him of trying to reclaim the throne by force.
The Governor’s Command
Governor Yusuf, playing the role of the vigilant protector of the state, directed the Commissioner of Police to arrest the deposed Emir Bayero for disturbing the peace. His spokesperson, Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, issued a statement at the crack of dawn, highlighting the governor’s swift action. At 1:00 AM, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi arrived at the palace with an entourage that included the governor, deputy governor, and other top officials. The scene resembled a dramatic royal entry in a historical epic.
In the governor’s words, “As the Chief security officer of the state, His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has directed the Commissioner of Police to arrest the deposed emir with immediate effect for disturbance of public peace.”
The statement further emphasized that any action undermining the state’s stability would be met with strict measures. This was not just about two men; it was about maintaining order in a kingdom teetering on the brink of chaos.
The Police’s Vow
The Kano State Police Command, led by Commissioner Muhammad Hussain Gumel, promised to enforce the court order against the dissolution of the new emirates. Gumel vowed to maintain law and order, making it clear that security agencies wouldn’t spare anyone trying to disrupt the peace. “Whoever, under whatever guise, is found planning to disrupt the peace in the State or jeopardize the existing security settings will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” Gumel declared.
He warned miscreants to steer clear of violence, assuring that the combined security agencies were fully prepared to ensure no breakdown of law and order. The safety and security of all inhabitants in the state were sacrosanct. This was a direct message to anyone thinking of capitalizing on the chaos: the law would come down hard on them.
The NSA’s Denial: Who’s Pulling the Strings?
Claims surfaced that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, facilitated Bayero’s return to Kano. The NSA’s office swiftly denied these accusations. Zakari Mijinyawa, the NSA’s spokesperson, labeled the claims as false, emphasizing that the NSA did not provide the aircraft for Bayero’s return. This was in response to accusations from the state’s Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, who claimed that Ribadu was using security forces to intimidate the people of Kano.
Gwarzo had accused Ribadu of interfering in the coronation process and using federal might to support Bayero. The NSA’s denial only added another layer to the intrigue, with each side accusing the other of underhanded tactics and power plays. The question remained: who was truly pulling the strings behind the scenes?
Atiku’s Accusations
And then there was Atiku Abubakar, ever ready to criticize the federal government, claiming Bayero couldn’t have made his dramatic return without federal backing.
In a Saturday post on X, Atiku warned against destabilizing Kano’s peace. He criticized the Federal Government for deploying soldiers in the tussle over the throne, calling it an upset to the state’s peace and security. Atiku emphasized that the reinstatement of Sanusi was lawful, following the amended Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024, and any attempt to destabilize Kano would be resisted.
“We need to remind the Tinubu administration that Kano State is known for peace and harmony spanning thousands of years, and any attempt to destabilise the peace of the Land of Commerce shall be resisted. Recall that when Muhammadu Sanusi II was dethroned on 9th March 2020, Kano forged on in peace without any fracas.”
NNPP’s Warning
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) also chimed in, warning against declaring a state of emergency in Kano. Ladipo Johnson, a spokesman for the party, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using security agencies to undermine the will of the people. Johnson’s statement was a stark reminder that political maneuvering was at the heart of this crisis. He warned that the people of Kano would resist any attempts to subvert their mandate and that the ongoing situation should not be used as an excuse to declare a state of emergency.
Voices from the Streets
Nigerians have been vocal about the unfolding drama. On social media, opinions range from the humorous to the serious:
@SichiAB: “Sanusi is a peacemaker and always has the best interest of the country at heart. Both leaders are brothers and should make room for peace and unity.”
@Yakubu: “Consequences of bad leadership in Nigeria. When he was ousted by Ganduje, no one cared. Now money will be wasted on unnecessary battles. Taxpayers’ funds are being misused.”
@PatrickEkene: “Kano people are very lucky. They now have two Emirs of Kano. One is the state government’s Emir while the other is the Federal Government’s Emir. Happy reign to both!”
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Kano state now has two Emirs. What a sight to see! The real-life “Game of Thrones: Kano Edition“ has officially entered a new season, and we can’t wait to see what happens next. Stay tuned, dear Nigerians.
