Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has debunked reports circulating in some media outlets about violent protests in the city related to the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano.
In a statement released on Monday by Baba Dantiye, the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, the Kano State Government clarified the situation. While acknowledging the presence of some disturbances, the government emphasized that these incidents were minor and under control.
“The Kano State Government noted with grave concern the reports by some media outlets on the exaggerated and misrepresented alleged violent protests in some parts of the state regarding the recent abrogation of the four emirates and reinstatement of His Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano,” Dantiye stated.
The commissioner explained that the state government felt it was necessary to address these reports to alleviate public fears and reassure them of the government’s commitment to their safety and security. Dantiye stressed that the reports of widespread violence were inaccurate, and that the overall situation in Kano was peaceful.
“While the government is aware of isolated incidents in a few areas involving a handful of young troublemakers and hired thugs, these do not reflect the overall situation,” he said. “Those hired unpatriotic individuals were only aiming to destabilize the state for personal gain and selfish interests.”
The commissioner highlighted that most Kano citizens have shown understanding and support for the government’s decision to unify the emirate structure by reinstating the 14th Emir of Kano. This decision, according to Dantiye, was made in the best interests of the state.
He also pointed out that certain political actors were exploiting the situation to create unrest and spreading false information through the media. “Their actions and those of their agents are not representative of the genuine feelings of the citizens of Kano State but are instead driven by selfish ulterior motives,” Dantiye added.