Nuhu Ribadu stirred reactions after addressing Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano during an event in Abuja. Explore the significance of the remarks and the public’s response.
On Thursday, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu caused a stir by referring to Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano during an event in Abuja.
This statement emerges in the context of a continuing dispute over the Kano Emirate throne, with both Muhammadu Sanusi and Bayero asserting their claims to the title of Emir.
In March 2020, former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje dismissed Sanusi and appointed Bayero as Emir. However, in a dramatic twist four years later, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf removed Bayero and reinstated Sanusi.
Bayero, absent from the state during his removal, came back to Kano and settled in the mini palace at Nasarawa, where he still holds court. Governor Yusuf, unhappy with Bayero’s actions, commanded that he be arrested immediately. Nonetheless, security around the mini palace was increased significantly, leading to speculation that Bayero has backing from the federal government.
Aminu Gwarzo, the Deputy Governor of Kano, accused Ribadu of facilitating Bayero’s return by allegedly supplying him with two private jets. In response to these allegations, Ribadu denied the claims and warned that he might take legal action against Gwarzo.
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Legal representatives for Ribadu, Aliyu & Musa Chambers, sent a letter urging the deputy governor to apologize. Subsequently, the deputy governor retracted his statement.
The struggle for control of the emirate has shifted to the courts, where both parties have filed numerous legal suits against one another.
At the 1st Annual International Lecture organized by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday, which focused on the theme “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024),” Ribadu acknowledged Bayero as the Emir of Kano while recognizing other distinguished guests.
“Certainly, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero,” Ribadu remarked, eliciting applause from the audience.
Rabiu Uba Danzainab, a supporter of Bayero, posted a 33-second video clip on X (formerly known as Twitter) featuring Ribadu’s remark. The caption read: “Ribadu referred to our Emir as the Legitimate Emir of Kano.”
Reactions on social media were varied; many praised Ribadu’s action, while others criticized it.
