Deputy Gov. Kano State: Aminu Abdulsalam
Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam, issued a public apology to National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu for alleging that Ribadu facilitated the return of dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero to Kano. The apology came during a press conference late Sunday at the Government House in Kano.
Previously, Abdulsalam had accused Ribadu of providing two aircraft to transport Bayero back to the city early Saturday morning. “The National Security Adviser gave two jets to bring the dethroned emir to Kano and to bring him to the palace,” the deputy governor claimed.
The NSA’s office promptly denied the accusation, and Ribadu, through his lawyer, threatened legal action for defamation of character. In response, Abdulsalam retracted his statement, acknowledging that further investigation exonerated Ribadu from any involvement.
“I have to acknowledge that we have been deeply misled into believing that the NSA was behind the happenings along this line, the charter of the two flights that smuggled in the deposed Emir of Kano and the security cover that escorted him to the Nassarawa House,” Abdulsalam said. He admitted that the initial information was incorrect and expressed regret for any embarrassment caused to Ribadu.
“The office of the National Security Adviser NSA has refuted the allegations and distanced themselves from what we have alleged,” he continued. “We investigated deep and harder and we came to understand and accept the statement of the National Security Adviser that he was not involved.”
Abdulsalam highlighted Ribadu’s integrity and commitment to duty, suggesting that if Ribadu had been involved, he would have admitted it. He emphasized that the Kano State Government would continue to support Ribadu in his role as NSA.
“We have further information (on the matter). There is nothing we can say than to apologize to the person and the office on behalf of the governor and government of Kano State for any embarrassment or inconvenience that might cause him,” Abdulsalam said.
Concluding his remarks, the deputy governor assured, “It’s very clear, it’s politics, and we understood the dynamics and we are still pursuing it to the logical conclusion. I will like to assure the National Security Adviser that the Kano State Government will continue to work and cooperate with him in giving all the necessary support for him to discharge his duties as National Security Adviser.”
This incident adds another layer to the ongoing turmoil in Kano’s emirate, underscoring the charged political atmosphere and the importance of accurate information in public statements.