The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has firmly denied allegations that National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu facilitated the return of the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, to Kano City. These allegations emerged following Bayero’s early morning arrival on Saturday, sparking significant local unrest.
Zakari Mijinyawa, the ONSA spokesman, categorically refuted the claims, labelling them as “false and untrue.”
The allegations originated from Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, who suggested that Ribadu had arranged for two aircraft to transport the dethroned monarch back to the state.
In a video interview from the Emir’s palace in Gidan Rumfa, Gwarzo accused the NSA of assisting Bayero’s return after the former Emir was given 48 hours to vacate his throne. Bayero’s return to Kano at 4:30 AM on Saturday heightened tensions within the state.
“The NSA did not provide air transport to anyone to Kano. Political actors should desist from misinforming the public as law enforcement officials in the state strive to maintain peace and order,” Mijinyawa stated, urging politicians to be cautious with their statements.
This development follows the dramatic reinstatement of Lamido Sanusi as the 14th Emir of Kano by Governor Abba Yusuf, reversing his 2020 removal by the previous administration of Abdullahi Ganduje. Sanusi’s reinstatement came after the repeal of the 2019 Emirate Council Law, which had divided Kano into five emirate councils, each with a first-class emir.
Adding to the complexity, the Federal High Court has issued “a restraining order preventing the state government from implementing the new emirate council law that reinstated Sanusi.”
In response, the Kano State Police Command has urged “all parties to adhere to the court order and committed to maintaining peace and order in the state.”
The ONSA’s denial aims to quell rumours and reinforce its commitment to impartiality and peace, amidst the political turmoil surrounding Kano’s traditional leadership.