Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has extended a formal apology to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, following accusations that Ribadu was interfering in the ongoing Kano emirship crisis.
The governor issued the apology during a private meeting with the NSA at Ribadu’s office in Abuja on Thursday, sources informed Daily Trust.
Governor Yusuf recently dethroned Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano and reinstated Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II under the new Kano State Emirates Council Law 2024.
This move led to Bayero’s arrest upon his return to Kano and subsequent occupation of the Nassarawa palace, which the governor cited as a measure to prevent escalating tensions in the state.
This action prompted the deployment of troops to the palace, suggesting that the federal government supported the governor’s decision.
Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, Kano’s deputy governor, had publicly accused Ribadu of backing Ado Bayero’s return to Kano after his dethronement.
Ribadu denied these allegations and threatened to sue Gwarzo, demanding a public apology.
Subsequently, the deputy governor issued an apology to Ribadu, attributing his earlier statements to flawed intelligence.
Governor Yusuf, describing his meeting with Ribadu as a “fruitful engagement,” reportedly apologized verbally to the NSA over last week’s incident.
“The governor and the NSA spoke heart-to-heart in Hausa.
He appealed verbally to the NSA over the comment made by his deputy last week,” a source close to the meeting disclosed.
The governor felt that a public apology through the media was insufficient, prompting his personal visit to Abuja.
Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesman, confirmed in a statement that Governor Yusuf retracted the allegations and apologized to Ribadu.
“Recognizing the respected professional background and integrity of the NSA throughout his time as an officer and anti-corruption campaigner, the state deemed it necessary to retract the allegation and offer a sincere apology,” the statement read.
The meeting coincided with Sanusi’s sixth day at the Kano palace, where a significant majority of district heads and members of the Tijjaniyya Shura Council have expressed their loyalty to him.
Meanwhile, normalcy appears to be returning to Kano. Observations on Thursday indicated that residents were going about their usual activities.
Although security agents were stationed at the emir’s palace and the guest house where Bayero is currently staying, the presence of these agents did not seem to disturb the city’s residents.
Alhaji Kabiru Abubakar of Dakata Quarters expressed that most Kano residents are more concerned about their livelihoods than the emirship controversy.
He voiced confidence in the state’s political and religious leaders to resolve the matter soon.
Hajiya Aishatu Danlami of Brigade Quarters commended the state government for banning protests, preventing potential unrest.
“Allah has spoken, and Sunusi is now in the palace, piloting the affairs of the Emirate.
May Allah continue to guide him to bring about the progress we desire,” she told NAN.
Alhaji Abdullahi Yakubu suggested that Sunusi’s return reflected the will of the people of Kano State, while Alhaji Musa Isa of Dala urged Ado Bayero to accept the situation as the will of God and move on.
The Kofar Kudu palace has been bustling with activity, drawing crowds eager to witness royal displays and traditional performances, including gun salutes and horse riding by palace aides.
Hawkers and praise singers have also gathered, capitalizing on the influx of visitors coming to pay homage to the reinstated Emir.
