A tense standoff has emerged in Kano State, Nigeria, between the Kano State Police Command and Governor Abba Yusuf. The dispute centers on the governor’s directive to evict the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from his residence.

Police Commissioner Explains Refusal to Evict

Kano State Police Commissioner, AIG Usaini Gumel, offered a clear explanation for his refusal to comply with the governor’s order. He pointed to the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the Emir’s eviction. Commissioner Gumel expressed concern that evicting the Emir before the court’s ruling on June 24th would be tantamount to “jumping the gun.” Significantly, the Kano State government itself filed the eviction case with the State High Court. Commissioner Gumel emphasized his commitment to respecting the judicial process and allowing the court to determine the rightful course of action.

Security has been significantly bolstered around the Nasarawa mini-palace, the current residence of the deposed Emir. Reporters on the ground observed additional security personnel deployed to the area. All major access points leading to the mini-palace have been blocked by security forces. Despite the heightened security measures, Emir Bayero remains within the palace, receiving visits from traditional rulers who hold allegiance to him. A source close to the Emir dismissed rumors circulating on social media that a bulldozer had been stationed at the palace in preparation for demolition, calling it nothing more than “social media propaganda.”

Uncertainties Cloud Emir’s Future

The current situation in Kano raises a number of uncertainties about the future of the Emir and the ongoing tensions within the Kano Emirate. The legal battle over the eviction order and the Kano State Police Commissioner’s defiance of the governor’s directive highlight the complexities surrounding the Emir’s position. With the court date approaching on June 24th, all eyes are on Kano as the fate of the Emir hangs in the balance. The outcome of the court case will likely have significant repercussions for the Kano Emirate and Nigerian politics more broadly.

The standoff between the Kano State Police and Governor Yusuf reflects the competing interests at play in this situation. Governor Yusuf appears determined to enforce his authority and uphold the Kano State Emirate Council Law, which led to the Emir’s removal. Commissioner Gumel, on the other hand, prioritizes respecting the legal process and allowing the court to make the final decision on the Emir’s eviction.

The current situation has the potential to escalate and lead to further unrest in Kano. The Emir enjoys significant support among certain segments of the Kano population, and his eviction could spark protests or even violence. The Kano State government must carefully navigate this situation to ensure a peaceful resolution that respects the rule of law.

Source: Punch