Supreme Court has final say on Kano Emirship dispute – Ganduje
By Ali Baba-Inuwa
Former Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, says only the Supreme Court has the final say on the Kano Emirship dispute between Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero.
Ganduje said this when he reacted to reports alleging that he had endorsed Sanusi as Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.
In a statement by his Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garaba, Ganduje described the reports as a misinterpretation and that his reference to Sanusi by his traditional title during the swearing-in of the new 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 said that the emirship tussle remained 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 stated.
He emphasised that as a former governor, he had no constitutional authority to endorse or reject any claimant to the emirship, sayig that the matter rested entirely with the judiciary and subsequently by the state government.
Ganduje said 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 deliver in April next year,” the former governor added.
