By Tolúlopé Olátúnjí
The Federal Government has dismissed allegations made by Rabiu Kwankwaso, National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), which claimed that the Presidency is planning to declare a state of emergency in Kano State and is allegedly taking sides in the Kano emirate tussle.
The New Diplomat reports that the 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Kwankwaso, had accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Federal Government of taking poor advice from individuals he described as “enemies of Kano State,” thereby disrupting peaceful co-existence in the state.
Kwankwaso also emphasized that the people of Kano would not tolerate any move by desperate people to undermine the state’s constituted authority.
In response to these allegations, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga clarified that there was no basis for an emergency declaration in Kano.
Onanuga stated:“There is no truth in it. It is a mere rumour. The Federal Government cannot declare any state of emergency in any state without the involvement of the National Assembly. There is no such plan. It is a mere rumour,”
“The National Assembly is in recess. No President can just wake up and declare a state of emergency in any state,” he added
Similarly, while speaking with the press, Kano Commissioner of Police Ussain Gumel denied allegations of bias in its handling of the emirate crisis. He emphasized that the police’s mandate is to protect lives and property impartially. “It is our duty to protect both emirs, which is what we are still doing,” he said.
Gumel noted that the police and other security agencies have maintained neutrality, despite receiving about five court orders related to the emirate dispute.
CP Gumel explained: “The issue is before the federal and state courts. We are waiting for judgment. We received about five court orders and forwarded them to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. We are waiting for his response and directives,” .
He urged the public to remain patient and calm while awaiting the outcomes from the relevant authorities.
“We must protect the contending emirs, the subjects of both emirs, and residents of the state. My appeal to the public is for them to exercise patience and calm while we await the outcome from the relevant authorities,” he concluded.
