The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Thursday, met with the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, at the Office of the NSA in Abuja.
The meeting, which lasted for more than an hour, was prompted by the recent happenings in Kano, following the dissolution of five emirates by the state House of Assembly, through the repeal of the state emirate law, and the subsequent restoration of Muhammad Sanusi as the Emir of Kano.
Notwithstanding, the emirate crisis, Sunusi, on Thursday, approved the appointment of Hamisu Sani as the new Ward Head for Kofar Mazugal, Dala Local Government area of the state.
The 16th Emir of Kano called on the new ward head to ensure peaceful coexistence among his subjects in the area and contribute his quota towards the development of the state as a whole.
District heads and other prominent personalities, such as delegations from religious and market bodies, have continued to pay homage to Sanusi, shunning the deposed Emir Ado Bayero.
The delegation includes the Ansarulddeen Tijjanniya sect and traders from both the popular Kantin Kwari textile market and the Singer market in the ancient city.
At the height of the crisis in Kano, the Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, had accused Ribadu of allegedly facilitating the return of Ado Bayero, the dethroned Emir of Kano, to the palace by providing him with two private jets.
After Ribadu threatened a lawsuit and demanded an immediate public apology, Gwarzo apologised, saying, “We were misled.”
A statement on Thursday, the spokesperson for the governor, Dawakin Tofa, said Yusuf met with the NSA in Abuja and they both discussed state and national issues.
“The two political leaders deliberated on various matters relating to state/national development and the peaceful coexistence of the nation during their discussions in Abuja.
“It is significant to mention that the NSA had been accused of involvement in the Kano crisis for allowing a substantial military presence to protect the removed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, a position swiftly discredited by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“Before this, Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, apologised to the NSA for his involvement in the Kano crisis, attributing the error to flawed intelligence.
“Recognising the respected professional background and integrity of the NSA throughout his time as an officer and anti-corruption campaigner, the state deemed it necessary to retract the allegation and offer a sincere apology,” Tofa said.
The statement added that the governor’s meeting with the NSA coincided with Sanusi’s six-day stay at the palace in Kano, where a significant majority of district heads and kingmakers had already pledged their allegiance and loyalty to the newly consolidated Kano Emirate, under the leadership of the 16th Emir.
The state assured that Kano had been characterised by peace and tranquillity, and thus urged all residents to continue their regular activities in compliance with the rule of law.
“It was a fruitful discussion between myself and the National Security Adviser. His role is critical for the harmonious existence of our nation, so I briefed him on the recent developments in Kano,” Tofa quoted the governor as saying in the statement.
Meanwhile, more district heads and members of the Tijjaniyya Shura Council, a council of the Islamic Sect, have affirmed their loyalty to Emir Sanusi.
Other prominent individuals, such as Khalifa Sayyadi Bashir, Khalifa Abdullahi Uwaisu, Sheikh Ibrahim Shehu Maihula and Habibu Dan Almajiri, also endorsed Sanusi.
During his initial court session on Sunday, Sanusi received the fealty of 40 district heads and prominent individuals within the council.
The development came as calm returned to the city of Kano, following the tension created by the emirate tussle.
The News Agency of Nigeria, which monitored the situation in Kano on Thursday, observed that many residents of the city were going about their normal activities.
Although security agencies were seen at the emir’s palace and guest house where Bayero currently stayed, the residents of the city seemed undisturbed by their presence.
Kabiru Abubakar of Dakota Quarters said most Kano residents were more concerned about their livelihoods than who became the Emir of Kano.
He expressed confidence in the political and religious leaders in the state to resolve the matter very soon.
Hajiya Aishatu Danlami of Brigade Quarters commended the state government for banning protests, which she said prevented miscreants from taking advantage of the situation to cause mayhem.
“Allah has spoken, and Sanusi is now in the palace, piloting the affairs of the Emirate. May Allah continue to guide him to bring about the progress we desire,” she told NAN.
Abdullahi Yakubu said the return of Sanusi was a reflection of the desire of the people of the state.
Musa Isa of Dala in the Dala Local Government Area, called on Bayero to accept the situation as the will of God.
Isa said there could only be one emir at a time and urged Bayero to move on with his life as “Allah has spoken through the installation of Emir Sanusi.”
NAN reports that the Kofar Kudu palace of the emir had been a beehive of activities, with people from various parts of the city trooping to witness royal displays and performances.
These include traditional gun salutes for the emir and the riding of well-decorated horses by palace aides.
Hawkers of various wares also took a position in front of the palace, selling foods, drinks, textile materials, shoes, and prayer mats, among others.
Praise singers and drummers were at the palace daily, entertaining guests who came from various parts of the country to pay homage to the re-appointed emir.
