The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, caused stirs on Thursday after he referred to Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano during an event in Abuja.
Bayero and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Muhammadu Sanusi, had battled for the Kano Emirship position some months ago.
Back in March 2020, former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje removed Sanusi from the throne and appointed Bayero as Emir.
However, four years later, Ganduje’s successor, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, dismissed Bayero and reinstated Sanusi.
Bayero, whose removal was announced while he was outside the state, returned to Kano and took residence in the mini palace at Nasarawa, where he has been conducting his court.
Subsequently, Governor Yusuf ordered the immediate arrest of the monarch.
However, rather than complying, security measures were intensified at the mini palace, leading to speculation that Bayero had support from federal authorities.
Reacting to the development, Aminu Gwarzo, the Deputy Governor of Kano, claimed that Ribadu played a role in Bayero’s return by providing him with two private jets.
Ribadu denied these allegations and threatened legal action against Gwarzo.
In a letter from Aliyu & Musa Chambers, Ribadu’s legal representatives, an apology was demanded from the deputy governor, who subsequently retracted his statement.
The dispute over the emirate eventually transitioned to the judicial system, with both parties filing separate lawsuits against each other.
Today, during the 1st Annual International Lecture organized by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, themed “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024),” Ribadu acknowledged Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano.
While recognizing the dignitaries present, Ribadu stated, “Of course the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero,” which was met with applause from the audience.
The video clip has stirred a barrage of reactions on social media.
