Former Governor of Kano state, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has reacted to reports that he has endorsed Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.
Recall that Ganduje, during the swearing-in ceremony of deputy governor Murtala Sule Garo, had greeted Sanusi and addressed him by his full traditional title, a gesture that drew loud applause from dignitaries and guests at the event.
However, in a statement signed by the former Commissioner of Information and his Chief of Staff, Muhammad Garba, Ganduje stated that only the Supreme Court of Nigeria can determine the fate of Sanusi in the ongoing emirship dispute.
He added that the position will ultimately be upheld and given effect by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in line with the rule of law.
He described reports that he had endorsed Sanusi as a misinterpretation and that his reference to Sanusi by his traditional title was merely a matter of courtesy and protocol
“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,” he said.
He stressed that the emirship tussle remains sub judice, cautioning that public commentary must be handled carefully to avoid contempt of court.
The former Governor recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case.
“The subsisting legal position recognises Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 14th Emir, pending the final judgment of the Supreme Court,” he explained.
He further emphasised that, as a former governor, he has no constitutional authority to endorse or reject any claimant to the emirship, noting that the matter rests entirely with the judiciary and, subsequently, with the state government.
Ganduje said the issue had been unnecessarily amplified by sections of the media, saying that “what may have been a routine acknowledgement of already established protocol was blown out of proportion.”
“The interpretation being given to the remark is clearly exaggerated and urged all parties to exercise restraint and await the Supreme Court judgment which is expected to deliver in April next year,” he added.
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