Brawl in the Emirates: Supreme Court, governor Yusuf has the final, says Ganduje – THISAGE

By Ayo Kehinde

Former Kano State governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said that only the Supreme Court of Nigeria can determine the fate of Muhammadu Sanusi II in the ongoing Emirates dispute, a position he says will ultimately be confirmed and implemented by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in line with the rule of law.

Dr Ganduje clarified the situation while reacting to reports that he had endorsed Sanusi as Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.

In a statement signed by the former Information Commissioner and his Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garaba, Dr Ganduje described the reports as a misinterpretation and that his referring to Sanusi by his traditional title during the deputy governor’s swearing-in ceremony was simply a matter of courtesy and protocol.

“It is important to clarify that what happened was simply an expression of respect in a public meeting. It should not be misinterpreted as an endorsement,” he said.

He stressed that the emirate’s dispute remains sub judice, warning that public comments must be handled carefully to avoid actions that could amount to contempt of court.

The former governor recalled that the Court of Appeal had previously ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the final decision in the case.

“The existing legal situation recognizes Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 14th Emir, pending the final ruling of the Supreme Court,” he explained.

He further stressed that as a former governor, he does not have the constitutional authority to support or reject any claimant to the emirate, stressing that the matter rests entirely with the judiciary and subsequently the state government.

Dr Ganduje regretted that the matter was unnecessarily amplified by sections of the media, adding that what could have been a routine recognition of the already established protocol was blown out of proportion.

“The interpretation given to this statement is clearly exaggerated and calls on all parties to exercise restraint and await the Supreme Court ruling, which is expected to be delivered in April next year,” the former governor said.

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