Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, has appealed to residents to be law-abiding and avoid acts that could provoke unrest in the city.
He cursed those opposing his reinstallation as emir, saying fire would consume those trying to set the city ablaze.
In a voice statement in Hausa posted on Facebook yesterday, Mr Sanusi said those challenging his emirship are challenging the will of God and will not end well.
“We are calling on the people to be law-abiding citizens. This war (emirate tussle) is not targeted at me; they are fighting what God has destined to happen. God does not need anyone’s support. I am pleading with you to be patient and prayerful. God will continue to support those who are fair and just.
“Fire will consume anyone who is planning to set fire in Kano. May he never witness peace in his life. May Allah protect our country and our lives. Insha’Allah, whoever is challenging God’s decision will not end well”, Mr Sanusi stated.
His statement may be connected to the rising tension, following Governor Abba Yusuf‘s directive to the emirate councils to commence preparations for the Sallah durbar procession.
Following the governor’s directive, Mr Sanusi’s rival, Aminu Ado Bayero, informed security agencies of his intention to conduct a durbar in a letter signed by his private secretary, Abdullahi Kwaru.
The letter said Mr Bayero will also celebrate his fifth anniversary as the Emir of Kano.
“The purpose of this letter is to formally notify security agencies in Kano State, particularly the Nigeria Police Force that this year’s Sallah events coincide with the fifth anniversary of His Highness on the throne of his forefathers with the assurance that all activities will be conducted peacefully,” Bayero stated.
The two men have claimed the emirship position since the state government removed Bayero last May and reinstated his deposed predecessor, Sanusi under a new emirates law.
Bayero is challenging his removal in court. The two claimants to the Kano stool have since been installed in two different palaces within the city.
