A write-up titled, “Backlash of Atiku’s Coalition Visit to Buhari” (sic) is currently circulating and trending online, suggesting steps to be taken in the coming days to resolve the myriad quagmires plaguing Kano State, particularly in the political spheres and the emirate crises. According to the writer, the decisions were mooted after a high profile meeting of former Nigerian leaders.
A cursory examination of the article, which lacks an author’s name or source, suggests that it is a kite-flying tactic sponsored by you-know-who to sway public opinion, influence decisions, and confer undue advantages to their side.
While I may not comment on other issues raised, that set to muddy the waters more than proffer solutions, such as the expected return of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the APC or the speculation regarding the replacement of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje with former Nassarawa Governor Al-Makura as APC Chair, I however feel duty-bound to address the provocative suggestion contained in paragraph seven, which states:
“7. The tussle of the Kano Emirate is being considered for resolution and HRH SLS will be favoured and HRH Aminu Ado Bayero may be advised to resign the Emirship and all court cases withdrawn. He is billed to be appointed an ambassador to one of the Middle East Countries (Qatar, Kuwait or KSA.” (sic)
This assertion is not only provocative but also highly contentious and too egregious, bellicose, cheeky, pugnacious, and truculent to let it pass by.
The pertinent question to pose here is: Why would His Highness Sarkin Kano Aminu Ado Bayero, whose victory is on the horizon at the Supreme Court insha Allah, especially with the Appeal Court upholding the earlier judgment of a Federal High Court that recognizes him as the legitimate emir, suddenly trade his exalted position as emir of Kano for a time-bound ambassadorial role? Pray tell, why?
Let us confront the harsh reality, it is imperative to assert that Emir Aminu Bayero has not committed any offense warranting his removal from his esteemed royal position by the Kano State Government. This is ungodly and against the principles of justice as well as contravention of the Nigerian public service rules.
With over 30 years of experience as a district head under the guidance of his revered father, the late Emir Ado Bayero Tagamadahullah bi rahmatuhi and other senior palace officials, Emir Aminu has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to the development of the Kano emirate. His solid understanding of ethics, traditions, and governance has not only made him the most acceptable and popular traditional leader in Kano but has also positioned him as a harbinger of stability and respect.
His impeccable lineage and exemplary character significantly contribute to his reputation as one of the most respected influential individuals in the world today. His humility, commitment to peace, and genuine affection for the people of Kano have endeared him to many.
It is significant for all stakeholders to recognize the importance of justice and integrity in leadership and to understand that injustice, regardless of its guise, ultimately undermines the very foundation of society. The legacy of true leadership lies in the ability to serve with honour and respect for the people, higher constituted authority and other community elders and religious leaders, a principle that Emir Aminu Bayero embodies wholeheartedly.
As the matter is before a court awaiting adjudication, let it be known that Emir Aminu Bayero will fight to the finish. He will pursue his rights, which are fundamental in Islam. Indeed, all major Muslim jurists and philosophers emphasise the importance of fighting for justice, from al-Sauri to Asƙalani, from Khadi Iyad to Samarƙandi, al-Ghazali, al-Suyuɗi, al-Mawardi, and several others, all of whom encourage people to seek redress within the confines of the law.
His Highness Emir Aminu, his title-holders, allies, supporters, well-wishers, and indeed the majority of peace-loving Kanawa, are confident that insha Allah he will emerge victorious at the end of this imbroglio, no matter how long it takes. We believe in Allah Azzah wa Jal. He gives power and seizes it at His will and appointed time; upon Him, we lay our trust and seek refuge in His benevolence.
With this firmly imprinted in our psyche and inner souls, let it be known that in the unlikely event Emir Aminu loses (Subhanallah), he will accept the verdict in good faith and move on.
However, let it also be known that he will not accept any ambassadorial appointment, no. He will consult with his brothers and sisters, the other 62 children of late Emir Ado Bayero, and debrief them. He will renovate and move to his old house in Mandawari at the heart of Kano city, a very big thanks to those who fought tooth and nail to abrogate the exile law for deposed emirs.
He will live among his people and in a familiar environment, as he does not possess a house anywhere else in the world. Though he will not be moving around in the emir’s costume and pageantry, he will lead a normal life and attend public functions, such as Quranic school graduations or the opening of new mosques when invited.
A Juma’a mosque and madrassa will be established at the Mandawari house, and Islamic scholars will take turns reading and interpreting notable fiqh books before him every evening in addition to zikr and wazifa sessions.
While we were growing up in the 1960s and 70s, the Mandawari area was a flashpoint for all sorts of crimes bacause of the market and many food vendors near the house . It was like a mini Sabon-Gari within the city, an area ruled by gangsters and stubborn local folks like Namari, Ɗanladi Mai Garara, Dadada, and Kankule. It was a playground for Kano’s socialites of the time, including Barau Kwallon-Shege, Nakwata, Kamal Kwara, Kassim Balarabe, Ta gadon-ƙaya, Arbela, Uwawu, and a host of others.
It was also a hub for mentally challenged individuals like Balahuru, Uwani Ware-Ware, Dolo Ina Ladi, Danger Wutar Baya and Mairagaje-Ragaje ‘Yar Barno. This place, known for its notoriety in history, will be given a complete makeover and transformed into an oasis for Islamic knowledge and scholarship.
As a Tijjaniyya Muƙaddam, Emir Aminu will focus on reviving the ties between Kano and the cradle of Tijjaniyya in the Maghreb, particularly Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania. He will follow the footsteps of his uncle Maulana Emir Muhammad Sanusi Tagamadahullah bi rahmatuhi and work towards his recognition as a Sufi saint.
The architects of that ballyhoo should go back to the drawing board, let them report back to the imaginary former leaders of Nigeria that there is the need to reconvene as a matter of emergency and that this ridiculous impudence is dead on arrival and the fish had clearly seen the fisherman with his red coloured net.
Meanwhile, as for the ambassadorial roles for His Highness Aminu Ado Bayero in Kuwait, Qatar, KSA, or even Mars or Jupiter, thanks, but no thanks.
* Alhaji Magaji Galadima Abdullahi is the Magayaƙin Kano
