Kano Emirate Crisis: Clerics Move for Peaceful Resolution
By: Edirin Robinson
A group of Clerics from the Tijjaniyya Sect has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to end the Political interference in the affairs of the Kano State Emirate.
In a statement made available to the media in Kaduna, today, the Clerics urged the federal government to stop interfering in a local chieftaincy matter that is the exclusive preserve of the state.
The Clerics who are from Munazzamatu Fityanil Islam, Majlis Al-Shura, Majma’u Ahbab Sheikh Ibrahim Niass, Sheikh Salihu Malami Foundation, Ahbab Sheikh Ahmad Abulfathi, Samarin Tijjaniyya, Ansarudeen Attijjaniyya, Alfatihiyya Association, Tijjaniyya Grassroots Mobilization and Empowerment Initiatives of Nigeria (TIGMEIN,) called for the Immediate withdrawal of security agencies from the Emir’s palace in Nassarawa to prevent further escalation.
The Clerics stressed that their major aim is to seek a peaceful resolution to the Emirates crisis, prioritizing the welfare and unity of the people of Kano State, and respecting their will and desire, rather than that of a small number of vested interests with their agendas.
They opined that “The Kano Emirate is a revered institution that transcends political affiliations and interests. Its sanctity and integrity must be preserved.”
They demanded that Security agencies respect the law duly passed by the Kano State House of Assembly, and assented to by the Governor, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, abolishing emirates created without regard to the history and custom of Kano and reinstating Emir Muhammad Sanusi II.
The Clerics asked for the relocation of the former Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, to any place of his choice in a dignified manner, to defuse the tension and threat to law and order caused by his ill-advised installation in the Nassarawa palace after his removal.
They also appealed to President Tinubu to intervene decisively, ensuring that the legal and democratic processes are upheld adding that the nation’s democratic principles and the rule of law must be protected.
“As concerned Citizens of Nigeria, we are compelled to address the escalating crisis surrounding the Kano Emirate. Recent developments have exposed the politicization of the issue, with unpatriotic politicians exploiting the situation to settle their political scores.”
“Moreover, the federal government’s security apparatus, including the police and other agencies, appear to have deviated from their role of neutrality and protecting lives and property. Instead, they have become tools in the hands of politicians, seeking to undermine the will of the Government and people of Kano State, and abandoning the principle of federalism by involving the Federal Government in a matter that is purely within the remit of the state.
“Unfortunately, the judiciary, which is expected to uphold the constitution and the rule of Law, has been brought into the murky waters of politics by the Federal High Court which, despite settled law, continues to interlope in a matter where it has no jurisdiction.”
“In May this year, the government of Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf honored an election pledge to restore the Kano emirate to its previous glory and the status quo.”
“We urge the federal government to stop interfering in a local chieftaincy matter that is the exclusive preserve of the state and to respect the rule of law in this matter. Governor Ganduje is now the national chairman of the APC and cannot be allowed to use that position to drag the federal government into his local political struggles.”
“We also appeal to the heads of the judiciary, especially the President of the Court of Appeal, to step in and save the judiciary from further embarrassment and reputational damage.”
