Amidst the ongoing tussle over the emirship in Kano State, security operatives have sounded a stern warning against an orchestrated plot to set the state House of Assembly ablaze.
This development comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions surrounding the reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the dethronement of Emir Aminu Bayero.
The Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, led a joint security press briefing on Sunday night, revealing that intelligence reports indicate a grand plot by sponsored elements to attack the Assembly and the residences of top members of the state legislature.
CP Gumel assured the public that the operatives, including the military, are fully prepared to disarm and dislodge the plotters.
“Against the controversy surrounding the chieftaincy issue in Kano, we have uncovered through credible intelligence plans by some miscreants paid to unleash terror in Kano.
“At the heel of their plans are target to attack the state House of Assembly and residences of key members of the Assembly. The intelligence has been verified by the security. Let me use this opportunity to say the security has the capacity to tame the evil forces,” stated CP Gumel.
In response to these threats, CP Gumel announced that joint security operatives will commence house-to-house searches to locate and apprehend those involved in the criminal conspiracy and their sponsors.
He emphasized the readiness of the security forces to maintain peace in Kano, declaring, “We are embarking on security patrol beginning this night and House to House search to uncover those behind the plot. Let me use this opportunity to say Kano is peaceful, calm and safe. We make bold to say nobody can override the decision taken by the security council of the state.”
Regarding the emirship controversy, CP Gumel maintained that the state government’s actions are legitimate, advising those in doubt to seek legal recourse. He urged Kano residents to go about their lawful activities without fear, assuring them that security forces will not tolerate any actions that threaten the peace and harmony of the state.
Meanwhile, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre has voiced deep concern over the escalating power struggle involving the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the dethroned Emir, Aminu Bayero.
CISLAC warns that these developments pose a significant risk to the peace and stability of Kano and the broader Northern Nigeria region.
CISLAC’s executive director, Auwal Rafsanjani, issued a stern warning against exploiting the situation to declare a state of emergency in Kano State.
“Such actions are viewed as reckless and unnecessary provocations that could dismantle over 1,000 years of Kano’s political heritage,” he stated.
Rafsanjani also raised concerns about the legitimacy of the court order facilitating Emir Aminu Bayero’s return, noting that the ruling was issued by a judge currently out of the country.
“CISLAC notes with alarm that the court ruling, which security operatives are relying on, facilitated the controversial return of Emir Aminu Bayero. This ruling was issued by a judge who is currently out of the country and not in office. This situation raises significant concerns about the legitimacy and appropriateness of the court order,” Rafsanjani said.
CISLAC criticized the reliance on what it described as a ‘kangaroo court order’ to justify the police and other security operatives’ actions in Kano State, warning that this exacerbates tensions. The organization reiterated that the state government holds the constitutional power to appoint and confirm traditional leaders, including the Emir.
“The attempt to usurp this power and push the state into a state of anarchy is unacceptable,” Rafsanjani emphasized.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to resist any attempts by politicians to disrupt the peace in Kano.
“The Federal Government must not allow itself to be used as a tool to further political interests that jeopardize the stability of the state and region,” Rafsanjani warned.
As an advocate for democracy and peace, CISLAC stands firmly against any form of violence and abuse of institutional power in Kano State.