The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has denied an allegation made by the Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam, that the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, facilitated the return of the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, to the city on Saturday.
News About Nigeria reported that the deputy governor alleged that Ribadu provided two aircraft for the return of Ado-Bayero to Kano at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday.
However, the spokesperson for the Office of the NSA, Zakari Mijinyawa, has refuted this claim, stating that it is untrue and misleading.
In an interview with Premium Times Newspaper, Mijinyawa said that the NSA did not provide air transport for anyone to Kano and urged politicians to be mindful of their utterances, as they may jeopardise the efforts of security agencies to maintain peace in the state.
“I read the comments on social media, they are untrue. The NSA did not provide air transport to anyone to Kano. Political actors should desist from misinforming the public as law enforcement officials in the state strive to maintain peace and order,” Mr. Mijinyawa said.
The denial comes amidst the ongoing royal tussle between Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, which has led to a heightened security presence in the state.
Governor Abba Yusuf had reinstated Emir Sanusi, the 14th emir of Kano, four years after he was removed by the immediate past administration of Abdullahi Ganduje.
However, the Federal High Court has restrained the state government from implementing the new emirate council law that reinstated Emir Sanusi, and security agencies have urged the parties involved to obey the court order and maintain peace.
In a separate development, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero appealed to the people of Kano State to remain calm and law-abiding as the royal tussle continues.
Speaking from the mini-palace where he is currently residing, the monarch said that justice will prevail and that no one is above the law.
“I call on the people to remain law-abiding while awaiting the outcome of the legal process in this tussle. We call on the authorities to do justice in this matter. Kano is a very influential state in Nigeria. Whatever affects Kano affects Nigeria. May peace reign in Kano. We pray for Allah to bless Kano with responsible and just leaders. Justice is the way to go on every issue. There will be justice. Nobody is above the law. We will accept whatever the law says,” he said.
The Emir expressed gratitude to those who have shown concern and reiterated his commitment to peace in Kano State.
“As I said, justice will take its course. We will keep on praying for peace in Kano State. May Allah the Almighty protect us,” he added.
