Nigerian Army Clarifies Presence in Kano Amid Emirship Tussle

The Nigerian Army has addressed its current deployment in Kano, where tensions are high due to an ongoing emirship dispute. This clarification comes amid growing concerns and accusations from various civil society groups and legal bodies.

The conflict involves Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, the reinstated Emir of Kano, and Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, who was dethroned. The legal friction arose after the Kano House of Assembly repealed a 2020 law, enacted by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, that had led to Sanusi’s dethronement. This legislative change, signed into law by Governor Abba Yusuf, called for the deposed emirs to vacate their official residences and hand over properties to the state’s Deputy Governor.

Amidst these directives, Ado Bayero unexpectedly returned to Kano and took up residence in a smaller palace in Nassarawa. Governor Yusuf subsequently ordered his arrest, a move contested by the police who cited a court order halting Sanusi’s reinstatement. Following this, the Nigerian Army was seen securing Ado Bayero’s mini palace, while vigilantes and hunters guarded the main palace, leading to speculations about the military’s allegiance in the dispute.

Civil society groups and activists have criticized the Army’s involvement, arguing that such actions are inappropriate in a democratic context. Responding to these criticisms, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, issued a statement on Sunday night, clarifying the Army’s position.

“Contrary to insinuations by the Kano state chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association as published on 26 May 2024, troops of the Nigerian Army have not been involved in the Kano state emirate tussle and are not involved in enforcing any court order. They have only taken proactive steps to checkmate any possible breakdown or breach of the security that may be occasioned by the Kano Emirship tussle,” Nwachukwu stated.

He emphasized that the Army’s primary concern is maintaining peace and preventing any security breaches that could be exploited by adversarial groups. The military’s current role is to monitor the situation and stand ready to intervene should the security situation deteriorate beyond the control of the police.

Nwachukwu reassured the public that the Army’s involvement is strictly precautionary, aimed at ensuring stability and safeguarding the state from potential conflicts.