Mallam Nuhu Ribadau
On Thursday, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadau, publicly recognized Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano during an event in Abuja. This declaration is significant given the ongoing contention surrounding the emirate, where both Bayero and Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi have laid claim to the prestigious title. The situation has created a complex power struggle that reflects broader political dynamics within the region, highlighting how traditional leadership roles can become intertwined with contemporary governance issues.
The roots of this conflict trace back to March 2020 when former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje dethroned Sanusi, a move that was met with considerable public outcry. Ganduje appointed Bayero as the new Emir, believing that he would be more compliant with the state government’s agenda. However, the landscape shifted dramatically four years later when the current Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, dismissed Bayero and reinstated Sanusi. This back-and-forth has not only created a rift within the traditional leadership but has also drawn in various political factions and their supporters.
Bayero’s dismissal was particularly controversial as it occurred while he was out of the state. Upon his return to Kano, he took residence in the mini palace at Nasarawa, where he has continued to hold court. This act of defiance against the governor’s order has fueled speculation about Bayero’s support at higher levels of government, suggesting that he might have backing from federal authorities. Such dynamics complicate the local political landscape, as traditional rulers often wield significant influence over their communities.
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The situation escalated further when Governor Yusuf ordered Bayero’s immediate arrest in response to his defiance. Instead of complying, security around the mini palace was intensified, indicating a possible standoff between state authorities and the Emir. This development has led to widespread speculation regarding the legitimacy of Bayero’s claim to the throne and the extent of his support, both locally and nationally. The complexities of this conflict underscore the fragile balance between traditional authority and modern governance.
Adding to the intrigue, Aminu Gwarzo, the Deputy Governor of Kano, alleged that Ribadu had played a role in facilitating Bayero’s return by providing him with two private jets. This accusation brought Ribadu into the fray, leading him to deny the claims and threaten legal action against Gwarzo. The exchange highlights how the political stakes are high, with accusations and counterclaims flying between key figures in the state. Such tensions can have far-reaching implications for governance and stability in Kano.
As the battle for the control of the emirate intensified, both factions resorted to the courts, filing various suits to assert their claims. The legal proceedings have become a battleground for legitimacy, drawing public attention and media coverage. This shift towards judicial resolution reflects a broader trend in Nigeria, where traditional disputes increasingly find their way into formal legal systems, complicating the relationship between customary law and statutory law.
Amidst this turmoil, Ribadu’s acknowledgment of Bayero as the Emir during the 1st Annual International Lecture organized by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) is noteworthy. The event, themed “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024),” served as a platform for discussing pressing security issues, yet Ribadu’s comment about Bayero elicited a thunderous applause from the audience. This reaction indicates that many still view Bayero as the legitimate Emir, reflecting the public sentiment surrounding the ongoing dispute.
The social media response to Ribadu’s address further illustrates the divided opinions on this issue. Supporters of Bayero celebrated the recognition, with one user posting a video of the moment and captioning it as a validation of Bayero’s legitimacy. Conversely, critics, including some from the opposing camp, expressed their disdain, suggesting that the political affiliations of the Emir could lead to further discord. This online discourse mirrors the broader societal divisions regarding leadership and authority in Kano, emphasizing the challenges that lie ahead for all parties involved.
