National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has denied the claim that he facilitated the return of the deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, to the state.
The refutation follows an accusation made by Kano State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, who alleged that Ribadu arranged for two aircraft to transport the sacked monarch back to Kano at 4:30 am on Saturday.
In a brief video interview at the Emir’s palace in Gidan Rumfa, Gwarzo claimed the NSA’s involvement in the emir’s return. However, Mallam Zakari Mijinyawa, spokesperson for the NSA’s office, swiftly responded to the accusation from Abuja, describing it as entirely false and unsubstantiated.
“I read the comments on social media, it is untrue. The NSA did not provide air transport to anyone to Kano,” Mijinyawa stated. He urged political figures to be cautious with their statements, warning that misinformation could undermine the efforts of security agencies to maintain peace in the state.
“Political actors should desist from misinforming the public as law enforcement officials in the state strive to maintain peace and order,” Mijinyawa added.
This controversy comes in the wake of Governor Abba Yusuf’s decision to reinstate Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, four years after his removal by the former administration of Abdullahi Ganduje.
Sanusi’s reinstatement followed the repeal of the state’s Emirate Council Law 2019, which had created five emirate councils and appointed five first-class emirs.
However, a Federal High Court has restrained the Kano State Government from implementing the new emirate council law that reinstated Sanusi.
The state Police Command has also called on all parties involved to comply with the court order and has committed to maintaining peace and order during the ongoing situation.
