The President Bola Tinubu-led government has been advised to resist any attempt by desperate politicians to disrupt the peace and harmony in Kano state.
Mallam Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, in a statement, warned that the situation in the state should not be used to declare a state of emergency in Kano State.
There is tension and controversy over the deposition of the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and the reinstatement of the formerly deposed 14th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Rafsanjani warned that the federal government should not allow itself to be used as a tool to further political interests that jeopardize the stability of the state and region.
According to him, “These developments threaten to plunge Kano State into chaos and anarchy, undermining the peace and stability of the broader Northern Nigeria region.”
He noted that such actions are viewed as reckless and unnecessary provocations that could dismantle over 1,000 years of Kano’s political heritage, expressing concern that the court ruling, which security operatives are relying on, facilitated the controversial return of Emir Aminu Bayero.
He opined that the said ruling was issued by a judge who is currently out of the country and not in office, adding that the situation raises significant concerns about the legitimacy and appropriateness of the court order.
He added that the reliance on what CISLAC describes as a ‘kangaroo court order’ to justify the police and other security operatives’ invasion of Kano State is deeply troubling and exacerbates tensions.
“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.
CISLAC firmly believes that the autonomy of the Kano State Government in managing its traditional institutions must be respected to avoid further conflict,” he stressed.
He enjoined all relevant authorities to prioritize dialogue and lawful processes in resolving this crisis, pointing out that the progress in Kano is synonymous with progress in Northern Nigeria as the current turmoil threatens to reverse the significant strides made towards development in the region.