Kano emirate crisis: Police in dilemma over five court orders – CP

The Kano State Police Command is in dilemma over the number of court orders it has received on the emirate crisis rocking the state.

The command said the conflicting court directives have created a complex situation and consequently appealed to the media for support in navigating the emirship tussle.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Usaini Gumel, made the call during a meeting with the heads of media organisations in Kano yesterday.

The CP revealed that the command had received five different court orders from federal and state high courts regarding the emirship dispute and has forwarded them to the Minister of Justice for interpretation.

His words: “I have forwarded the five court orders related to the emirship tussle to the Inspector General of Police who has subsequently contacted the Minister of Justice for clarification and interpretation.

“We are currently awaiting guidance on which order to comply with as the conflicting court directives have created a complex situation.

“Once we receive the necessary interpretation, we will take appropriate action to resolve the emirship dispute in accordance with the law.”

Gumel lamented a radio station’s unprofessional reporting on the issue, urging the media to verify facts and balance their reports before disseminating them to the public.

He encouraged the media to seek clarifications from the police before publishing reports, to ensure accuracy and avoid aggravating the situation.

Meanwhile, the ancient city of Kano has returned to its bustling but peaceful nature as the 16th Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi and his predecessor Aminu Bayero did not clash during Juma’at prayer.

Governor Abba Yusuf had through a repealed chieftaincy law dethroned Bayero and four other first class emirs and reinstated Sanusi. But Bayero returned to the state to reclaim his position.

While Sanusi is consolidating on the throne, having occupied the main palace, Bayero is waiting anxiously for the decision of the court as he now stays at the Nasarawa palace.

Tension rose yesterday morning following reports that the two contending emirs had made announcements to lead the Juma’at service at the Central Mosque located at the main palace. The people of Kano, divided, were bracing up for the clash that never was.

The Nation gathered it was all rumours as Bayero later denied making announcement that he would lead prayers at the central mosque close to the palace where Sanusi is staying.

Before the prayer time, police advised residents to “disregard the false information circulating on social media that Emir Aminu Ado Bayero would lead Juma’t prayers at Kofar Kudu Central Mosque, Kano.”

The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Gumel, assured that all necessary security arrangements were made for Bayero to observe his Friday prayers in the mosque where he lives at the Nasarawa palace.

Gumel also assured that the police and all other state security agencies would provide adequate security at the palace where Lamido Sanusi, also known as Muhammadu Sanusi II, was expected to observe his Juma’at prayers.

“Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore the false reports and misinformation circulating on social media and to go about their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation.

“The police will continue to provide the necessary security for ensuring that residents observe their Friday congressional prayers peacefully and without threats to their lives and property,” the police commissioner said.

Thus, Sanusi prayed at the Central Mosque, while Bayero observed his prayers at the Nasarawa Palace Mosque.

While Sanusi led the two units Friday service, Bayero only observed his prayers as the service was led by another Islamic leader.

Police Commissioner, Gumel, hailed the two monarchs for their cool headedness, saying the Friday prayers were conducted in a peaceful atmosphere across the state.

“I am very pleased with the orderly manner faithful residents conducted themselves before, during and after the prayers without rancour in all parts of the state.

“This is a testament to the effective collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community.

“The police command looks forward to continued partnership in maintaining peace and order in the state”, he said, praising residents for their cooperation with police personnel deployed in and outside the metropolis, which paved the way for peace.”

As the emirship tussle rages on, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, has warned against questioning divine will.

He urged his followers to accept divine decisions without question.

Emir Sanusi gave the counsel in a sermon at the Kofar Arewa Central Mosque during Jumma’t prayer yesterday.

Addressing congregants, Emir Sanusi highlighted the significance of belief in God’s omnipotence, especially as the Islamic calendar approaches Zhul Hijja, a month known for its spiritual benefits.

He said: “Whoever believes that Allah alone gives everything must take the decision of Allah wholeheartedly. No one asks Allah’s reasons for anything,” the monarch said.

He further elaborated on the concept of destiny in Islam, stating, “We were told that whoever did not accept destiny is from Allah, his belief is not complete.

“One should be thankful in times of good and bad situations.

“We must believe that whatever happens to us is predestined from God and what we couldn’t have is from Him.”

After the sermon, Emir Sanusi led the congregation in prayers.

[TheNation]