Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo has withdrawn his previous statement accusing the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, of meddling in the Kano emirate dispute.
During a press conference held late Sunday, Gwarzo apologized to the NSA, admitting he had been misinformed when he made the initial accusations.
Gwarzo acknowledged the NSA’s office had refuted the allegations and distanced itself from the accusations. He stated, “The Office of the National Security Adviser has refuted the allegations and distanced themselves from what we have alleged.
I have seen it, he has done it through three media, and today, I have seen the one about going to court.”
He further added, “We have to acknowledge that we have been misled into believing that the NSA was behind the happenings along this line.
We apologize to the National Security Adviser, his person, and his office for any embarrassment and inconveniences this might have caused him.”
Emphasizing human fallibility, Gwarzo said, “We are human and can err at any time. On my behalf and the Governor of Kano State, I want to assure the NSA of our continued support and cooperation in discharging his duty as the NSA.”
The NSA’s office had previously denied the claims that Ribadu facilitated the return of the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, to the ancient city on Saturday. This was contrary to the deputy governor’s allegations that the NSA had played a role in the emir’s return.
The deputy governor had also emphasized the legal procedures for coronation, stating, “The law is clear on the process for the coronation of an emir and that nobody has any right to interfere or enforce anyone on Kano people.” He had accused Ribadu of “using security” to intimidate the people of the state.
In response, the NSA’s office clarified that Ribadu did not provide the aircraft that returned Ado Bayero to Kano and threatened to sue the deputy governor for defamation.
The controversy unfolded after Ado Bayero returned to Kano early on Saturday, just 48 hours after being dethroned by Governor Abba Kabir and replaced with Muhammadu Sanusi II.
