The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has refuted claims that he assisted the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, in his return to the state. These allegations were made by the state’s Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo.
Gwarzo asserted in a video interview at the Emir’s palace in Gidan Rumfa that Ribadu had arranged for two aircraft to transport the deposed monarch back to Kano at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday.
However, Zakari Mijinyawa, spokesperson for the NSA’s office, dismissed these allegations in an interview with Premium Times on Saturday. Mijinyawa stated, “I read the comments on social media, it is untrue. The NSA did not provide air transport to anyone to Kano.” He further 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.
This controversy follows the recent reinstatement of Lamido Sanusi, the 14th Emir of Kano, by Governor Abba Yusuf. Sanusi’s return comes four years after his removal by the previous administration of Abdullahi Ganduje. His reinstatement was facilitated by the repeal of the state’s Emirate Council Law 2019, which had established five emirate councils and appointed five first-class emirs.
Despite this development, the Federal High Court has issued an order restraining the state government from implementing the new emirate council law that reinstated Sanusi. The Kano State Police Command has called on all parties involved to comply with the court order and has pledged to maintain peace and order during this period of tension.
