Kano Emirate: Atiku condemns military deployment, calls for peace
By Innocent Raphael
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the deployment of soldiers in Kano amid the ongoing dispute over the Emirate’s throne, urging for peace and adherence to constitutional principles.
A statement released on Saturday by his Media Aide, Paul Ibe, said Federal Government’s intervention disrupts the state’s peace and security and violates the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“The federal government’s deployment of soldiers in Kano concerning the Emirate throne is a disruption to the state’s peace and security and a breach of the 1999 Constitution,” Atiku’s statement read.
He noted that the Kano State House of Assembly had legally passed the amended Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024, which Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf signed into law, adding “This law repealed the 2019 version that had divided the ancient Kano Emirate into five and reappointed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (Muhammadu Sanusi II) as the 16th Emir of Kano, with the endorsement of the Kingmakers of Kano”.
He expressed surprise at the early morning intrusion into the Nasarawa Palace by former Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, allegedly supported by federal forces, while the reappointed Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was at his main residence, Gidan Dabo.
“The former Emir could not have entered the Nasarawa Palace without federal government support, evident by the presence of the army and other security personnel,” Atiku stated.
He criticized the use of military force in this civil matter, arguing it undermines the integrity of the Nigerian military.
The former presidential candidate reminded the Tinubu administration of Kano State’s long history of peace and harmony and warned against actions that could destabilize the region.
“If law and order break down in Kano State, particularly in Kano Municipal, the federal government should be held responsible for providing security cover to former Emir Aminu Ado Bayero to return to Kano, an act that invites anarchy,” he concluded.
