Kano emirate tussle: Ganduje denies endorsing Sanusi as Emir of Kano
Kola Oyelere Kano
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Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has denied endorsing Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano, insisting that only the Supreme Court can determine the outcome of the ongoing emirship dispute in the state.
Ganduje, in a statement signed by his Chief of Staff and former Kano State Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, said reports suggesting that he had backed Sanusi’s claim to the throne were a misrepresentation of events at the recent swearing-in ceremony of the Deputy Governor of Kano State.
According to the statement, Ganduje’s reference to Sanusi by his traditional title during the ceremony was merely a matter of courtesy and protocol and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of his position in the emirship tussle.
“It is important to clarify that what happened was simply an expression of respect in a public gathering. It should not be misconstrued as an endorsement,” the statement quoted Ganduje as saying.
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The former governor maintained that he has no constitutional authority to endorse or reject any claimant to the Kano emirship, stressing that the matter remains before the courts and would ultimately be resolved by the judiciary and implemented by the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
He also warned against comments capable of amounting to contempt of court, noting that the dispute is still pending before the Supreme Court.
Ganduje recalled that the Court of Appeal had directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case by the apex court.
According to him, the current legal position recognises Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano, while Sanusi remains recognised as the 14th Emir of Kano pending the Supreme Court judgment.
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The former governor further criticised sections of the media for what he described as exaggerated interpretations of his remarks at the ceremony.
“The interpretation being given to the remark is clearly exaggerated,” the statement added.
He urged all parties involved in the emirship dispute to remain calm and await the Supreme Court judgment expected next year.