The Senate on Tuesday refuted allegations of a plot to declare a state of emergency in Kano State over the emirate dispute involving Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II. Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, categorically stated that no such motion was before the red chamber.
This dismissal coincides with the Nigerian Bar Association’s announcement that its disciplinary committee is reviewing eight memos from lawyers involved in conflicting court orders surrounding the Kano Emirate crisis. Tensions in Kano have been high since the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano, following the enactment of a new Kano Emirate Council Law and the deposition of Bayero.
Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party and former presidential candidate, alleged that the Federal Government plans to declare a state of emergency in Kano, accusing the All Progressives Congress-led administration of partiality in the emirate tussle. Kwankwaso’s claims were echoed by NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima, who warned President Bola Tinubu to avoid meddling in Kano’s politics.
However, Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga dismissed these allegations as unfounded rumours. “The Federal Government cannot declare any state of emergency in any state without the involvement of the National Assembly. There is no such plan,” Onanuga asserted.
Senate spokesperson Adaramodu reiterated that the Senate had more pressing matters, including the consideration of the Supplementary Budget and the minimum wage bill, than to entertain discussions on a state of emergency in Kano. Meanwhile, the NBA’s Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, confirmed the ongoing review of memos related to the conflicting court orders.
The APC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, condemned Kwankwaso and Galadima’s statements as inflammatory. “Kwankwaso’s wild and unhinged comments are highly incendiary and unconscionable for an individual of his standing,” Morka said, warning that such rhetoric could incite tension in Kano.
The NNPP, however, stood by the allegations, citing the deployment of soldiers to guard the deposed emir’s palace as indicative of the Presidency’s interference. NNPP spokesman Ladipo Johnson argued that the Federal Government’s actions were escalating the crisis.
Adding to the controversy, the PDP accused the Presidency and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje of fuelling the unrest to justify a state of emergency declaration. PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi called for adherence to constitutional processes, noting that Governor Abba Yusuf has the authority to make decisions regarding the emirate.
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, also weighed in, criticising the Federal and National Industrial Courts for overstepping their jurisdiction in chieftaincy matters. Falana called for respect for the Supreme Court’s precedent that emirate disputes are not fundamental rights issues under the Constitution.
As the political and legal drama unfolds, calls for calm and adherence to judicial processes continue, with stakeholders awaiting a resolution to the emirate conflict in Kano.
