The unfolding emirate drama that started during the reign of forrmer governor Umar Abdullahi Gandjue, from every indication seems to be getting out of control.
The tussle which started as a result of the removal of the then Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, reached a new stage when the removed Emir was reinstated as the 16th Emir of the ancient city.
Kano Emirate is known world wide as one of the finest legacies traditional socio-cultural and political institution developed by the Hausa-Fulani- Muslim people of northern Nigeria.
However, the unfolding crisis which the dethronment and reinstatement of emirs in the northwest state has caused is now posing a major challenge to the orderly development of the State.
The latest happening in the state, is being triggered by the ongoing move by the two emirs currently presiding over the traditional administration of the state, to celebrate the annual traditional end of the Ramadan horse riding in the state simultaneously.
The horse riding which is known as Hawan Daushe, entails riding of horses around major historic sites within and outside Kano metropolis.
Police assure there will be order
Thus in the face of this glaring threat to law and order that the Emir crisis has become, Kano State Police Command, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who is the spokesperson for the Command hinted that the police is doing everything possible to ensure that the state continue to remaiin peaceful.
Despite the police assurance, most residents of Kano see moves by both the dethroned Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, on one hand, and the reinstated Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi, to perform the ceremony in the state, as a clear threat to peace and stability of the state.
However, in the face of what is regarded by sources as glaring threat to the peace of the state, the reinstated Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi, had gone ahead to inaugurate a new district head for the town of Bichi.
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This move is seen by many residents of the state, as a final foreclosure, of the removal of Nasir Ado Bayero, the younger brother of Aminu Ado Bayero, who was installed by the immediate past administration of former governor, Umar Abdullahi Gandjue, as the Emir of the town.
It would be recalled that the current administration of Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, had recently dethroned Nasir Ado Bayero, and his elder brother, and when the Governor, appointed new emirs he left out Nsair.
Earlier, secuirty operatives in the state, had to prevent an attempt by Muhammadu Sanusi, to install a new district head for the town, as supporters of Nasir Ado Bayero, had threatened to disrupt the installation of a new district head for the town.
The inauguration of a new district head carried out Monday, by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi, was done in violation of an ongoing court process instituted by some kingmakers in Kano State.
Sanusi calls for calm, says emirship will of God
Meanwhile, the Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi, has appealed to residents to be law-abiding and avoid acts that could provoke unrest in the city.
He also cursed those opposing his reinstallation as emir, saying fire would consume those trying to set the city ablaze.
In a voice statement in Hausa posted on Facebook by Premier Radio in Kano on Monday, Sanusi said those challenging his emirship are challenging the will of God and will not end well.
“We are calling on the people to be law-abiding citizens. This war (Emirate Tussle) is not targeted at me; they are fighting what God has destined to happen. God doesn’t need anyone’s support. I am pleading with you to be patient and prayerful. God will continue to support those who are fair and just.
“Fire will consume anyone who is planning to set fire in Kano. May he never witness peace in his life. May Allah protect our country and our lives. Insha’Allah, whoever is challenging God’s decision will not end well”, Mr Sanusi stated.
His statement may be connected to the rising tension following Governor Abba Yusuf‘s directive on Tuesday to the state’s emirate councils to commence preparations for the Sallah durbar procession.
Following the governor’s directive, Sanusi’s rival, Aminu Ado Bayero, informed the security agencies of his intention to conduct a durbar in a letter signed by his private secretary, Abdullahi Kwaru.
The letter said Ado Bayero will also celebrate his fifth anniversary as the Emir of Kano.
“The purpose of this letter is to formally notify the security agencies in Kano State, particularly the Police Force, that year’s Sallah events coincided with the fifth anniversary of His Highness on the throne of his forefathers with the assurance that all activities will be conducted peacefully,” Mr Ado Bayero stated.
