National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday, sparked major reactions after addressing Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano during an event in Abuja.
This statement comes amid an ongoing dispute over the Kano Emirate throne, with both Muhammadu Sanusi and Bayero claiming the title of Emir.
Back in March 2020, former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje removed Sanusi from the position and appointed Bayero as Emir. However, in a dramatic turn of events, four years later, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf dismissed Bayero and reinstated Sanusi.
Bayero, who was out of the state at the time of his removal, returned to Kano and took residence in the mini palace at Nasarawa, where he continues to hold court. Governor Yusuf, displeased with Bayero’s actions, ordered his immediate arrest. Despite this, security around the mini palace was strengthened, sparking rumors that Bayero has the support of the federal government.
Deputy Governor of Kano, Aminu Gwarzo, accused Ribadu of aiding Bayero’s return by allegedly providing him with two private jets. Ribadu, however, refuted these claims and threatened legal action against Gwarzo.
Ribadu’s legal representatives, Aliyu & Musa Chambers, issued a letter demanding an apology from the deputy governor, who later withdrew his statement.
The battle for control of the emirate has since moved to the courts, with both parties filing multiple legal suits against each other.
During the 1st Annual International Lecture hosted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday, with the theme, “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024),” Ribadu referred to Bayero as the Emir of Kano while acknowledging the dignitaries present.
“Of course, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero,” Ribadu said, drawing a round of applause from the audience.
A supporter of Bayero, Rabiu Uba Danzainab, shared a 33-second video clip of Ribadu’s comment on X (formerly Twitter), captioning it: “Ribadu addressed our Emir as the Legitimate Emir of Kano.”
However, reactions on social media were mixed with many hailing Ribadu’s action, while some others condemned it.
