By; KATO P. LADAN, Kaduna
Concerned Islamic groups have called for neutrality and respect for the.rule of law in the ongoing tussle of leadership in the Kano Emirate.
In s statement issued by the group jointly signed by Mallam Sani Malami and Sheikh Alhassan Abdulmalik, the group said as concerned citizens of Nigeria, they are compelled to address the escalating crisis surrounding the Kano Emirate.
They averred that 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 totally abandoning the principle of federalism by involving the Federal Government in a matter that is purely within the remit of the state.
The group further argued that 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.
“The whole world knows that less than five years ago, the government of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje balkanized the Kano Emirate and created five emirates unknown to the history and custom of Kano, using the instrument of the legislative process.
“Subsequently, the same government removed the then Emir Muhammad Sanusi II on frivolous charges of “insubordination”. At that time the President, Muhammadu Buhari, publicly declared that the matter was purely a state matter and that constitutionally, the federal government could not intervene. In fact the federal government provided full support of security agencies to enforce the unpopular decisions of the Ganduje’s administration”.
The groups noted that in May this year the government of Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf honoured an election pledge to restore the Kano emirate to its previous glory and the status quo and that reliable information suggests that ex- Governor Ganduje is using his position as national chairman of the ruling party to deploy federal might in pursuit of his sinister personal vendetta, thus placing the security of life and property of Kano people at great risk.
“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. The Kano Emirate is a revered institution that transcends political affiliations and interests. Its sanctity and integrity must be preserved.
The groups which include 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) demands
an mmediate withdrawal of security agencies from the Emir’s palace in Nassarawa to prevent further escalation.
“Respect for the law duly passed by the Kano State House of Assembly, and assented to by the Governor, abolishing emirates created without regard to the history and custom of Kano and reinstating Emir Muhammad Sanusi II and an end to political interference in the affairs of the Kano Emirate.
“Relocation of the former Emir Aminu Ado Bayero to anyplace 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 and a peaceful resolution to the 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 own agendas.
“We appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene decisively, ensuring that the legal and democratic processes are upheld. The nation’s democratic principles and the rule of law must be protected. 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”.
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