…after Ado Bayero moved to stalemate event
•State govt: Police taking orders from unknown source
Uncertainty surrounds Sallah Durbar celebration for the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, today. The event would have marked his first Sallah Durbar after his reinstatement by Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf.
But plans for the event appeared to suffer a setback after the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, declared his plans to hold parallel Durbar and went ahead to extend invitations to district heads to attend the event.
The police banned the planned Durbar by both men but there were indications, last night, that the Sanusi Durbar may hold today with assistance from the state government.
Meanwhile, the state government raised the alarm, last night, that the police were taking orders on the issue from unknown sources.
Ado Bayero announced, yesterday, that he had cancelled his own Durbar to allow peace to reign in Kano.
But a circular earlier by his senior councillor and Galadiman Kano, Abbas Sanusi, directed district heads to attend the event with their village heads.
“We are directing all the district heads of the Emirate to come along with their village heads, horse riders, and praise singers for the festivities. You are directed to come to the Gidan Nassarawa Palace of Aminu Ado Bayero on Saturday by 11 am. Afterwards, there will be a meeting with the district heads for discussion on the preparation for the Sallah Durbar celebration,” the circular stated.
Subsequently, Bayero also wrote to the Commissioner of Police, CP, requesting for special security arrangements ahead of the planned event.
A copy of the letter written by the Bayero’s Private Secretary and obtained by Sunday Vanguard, reads, “I’m directed by His Highness, The Emir of Kano, Alh Aminu Ado Bayero, based on case number FHC/KN/CS/182/2004, in which the court ordered that status quo be maintained, I hereby write to convey his appreciation and sincere gratitude on your contributions and facilitation of peace and stability in Kano State during the period of Emirate crisis.
“Similarly, His Highness instructed me to request for special security arrangements for the conduct of Sallah festivities (Eid-El Kabir) in Kano which commences on Sunday 16th of June 2024 to Thursday 20th of June 2024. All activities will emanate from Nassarawa Mini Palace in Kano.
“These festivities are significant cultural and religious events that attract a large number of participants and spectators from within and outside of Kano.
“In light of the importance of maintaining peace, order, and security during these celebrations, we kindly request the support and assistance of your esteemed agency towards the successful accomplishment of the events.
“Details on daily activities are as follows: Sunday 16th June 2024-Eid prayer at Kofar Mata Prayer ground and Hawan Daushe on Monday 17th June 2024 at 4.00 pm.
“Other activities include, Hawan Nassarawa on Tuesday 18th June 2024 from 8.00 am and Hawan Zagayen Gari on Thursday 20th June 2024 from 8.00 am”.
Police douse tension
However, in what could be seen as a proactive measure, CP Usaini Gumel announced the imposition of a ban on Sallah Durbar for the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations in the state.
Gumel, in a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, said the ban is part of the commitment for sustenance of peace in the state.
The statement said the decision to ban all Durbar activities was a result of security reports obtained and wide consultations with relevant stakeholders.
‘ Unknown source’
Last night, the state government expressed concerns over the actions of the State Police Commissioner, who has been accused of disobeying the directives of Governor Yusuf, particularly regarding the banning of Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
In a press conference held at the Africa House of the Government House, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi, said: “I am compelled to address you once again on behalf of the Executive Governor and the Government of Kano State over the unfortunate activities of some enemies of the State that are hell-bent on causing a breakdown of law and order in our State.
“A series of actions that have contributed to the current tension, including the recent passing and signing of the Kano State Emirate Councils (Repeal) Bill, 2024.
“On May 23, 2024, the State House of Assembly passed the bill, which was promptly signed into law by the Governor after thorough consultations with relevant stakeholders and law enforcement agencies.”
The Attorney-General noted that despite the measures, certain individuals were attempting to destabilize the state.
Dederi said: “Some people are desperately scheming to unjustly penalize the people of Kano for keeping to the tradition of radical politics of voting with their conscience.” (Vanguard)
