Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, has formally retracted his previous statement accusing the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, of interfering in the Kano emirate tussle.
The retraction came after the NSA denied the allegations and threatened legal action.
In his initial remarks, Deputy Governor Gwarzo claimed that Ribadu had used security forces to intimidate the people of Kano and improperly influenced the emirate’s affairs.
He said that the law is clear on the process for the coronation of an emir, and nobody has any right to interfere with or enforce anyone on the Kano people.
However, the NSA’s office denied these claims, particularly the allegation that Ribadu facilitated the return of dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero to Kano.
The NSA’s office clarified that Ribadu did not provide any aircraft for Ado Bayero’s return, adding that the accusations were baseless.
In response to the NSA’s denial and the threat of a defamation lawsuit, Deputy Governor Gwarzo held a press conference late Sunday to issue a public apology.
He acknowledged that his initial statements were misguided and retracted his accusations.
“The Office of the National Security Adviser has refuted the allegations and distanced themselves from what we have alleged. I have seen it, he has done it through three media, and today, I have seen the one about going to court,” Gwarzo said.
“We have to acknowledge that we have been misled into believing that the NSA was behind the happenings along this line.”
Gwarzo extended his apology to Nuhu Ribadu and his office for any embarrassment or inconvenience caused by the false accusations.
“We are humans and can err at any time. On my behalf and the Governor of Kano State, I want to assure the NSA of our continued support and cooperation in discharging his duty as the NSA,” he added.
The incident followed the recent dethronement of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero by Governor Abba Kabir, who replaced him with Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Ado Bayero returned to Kano early on Saturday, just 48 hours after his dethronement, which sparked controversy and political tension within the state.
