By Abdullahi Yusuf
Former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje,has said that only the Supreme Court of Nigeria can determine the fate of Muhammadu Sanusi II in the ongoing emirship dispute, a position he said will ultimately be upheld and given effect by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in line with the rule of law.
Dr Ganduje made the clarification while reacting to reports alleging that he had endorsed Sanusi as Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.
In a statement signed by the former Commissioner of Information and his Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba, Dr Ganduje described the reports as a misinterpretation and that his reference to Sanusi by his traditional title during the swearing-in ceremony of the Deputy Governor was merely a matter of courtesy and protocol.
“It is important to clarify that what happened was simply an expression of respect in a public gathering. It should not be misconstrued as an endorsement,” he said.
He stressed that the emirship tussle remains sub judice, cautioning that public commentary must be handled carefully to avoid actions that could amount to contempt of court.
The former Governor recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case.
“The subsisting legal position recognises Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 14th Emir, pending the final judgment of the Supreme Court,” he explained.
He further emphasised that as a former governor, he has no constitutional authority to endorse or reject any claimant to the emirship, noting that the matter rests entirely with the judiciary and subsequently by the state government.
Dr Ganduje regretted that the issue had been unnecessarily amplified by sections of the media, adding that what may have been a routine acknowledgment of already established protocol was blown out of proportion.
“The interpretation being given to the remark is clearly exaggerated and urged all parties to exercise restraint and await the Supreme Court judgment which is expected to be delivered in April next year,” the former governor added.