Rabiu Kwankwaso, chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), says he did not influence the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano.
Sanusi became the 14th Emir of Kano in 2014 after the death of Ado Bayero. He was turbaned during the administration of Kwankwaso, then governor of the state.
However, Sanusi was dethroned in 2020 by Abdullahi Ganduje, Kwankwaso’s successor, over allegations of insubordination.
Aminu Bayero, son of the late Bayero and Emir of Bichi, was installed as Sanusi’s replacement.
On Thursday, the Kano state assembly repealed the law which was used to unseat Sanusi and balkanise the Kano emirate into five jurisdictions.
Consequently, Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, announced the reinstatement of Sanusi as emir after signing the new Kano Emirate Council Law.
Speaking with the BBC Hausa, on Friday, Kwankwaso said he has no hand in Sanusi’s reinstatement.
The former govenor said he would inquire about the development when he visited the state.
“I will go to Kano very soon, and I will speak with some of the assembly members, especially the speaker, and the governor on what is happening,” Kwankwaso said.
In April 2023, Kwankwaso said the incoming government would revisit Sanusi’s dethronement.
“Apart from the issue of changing the emir, the emirates have now been divided into five. All of that will be reviewed too. When a leader comes into power, whether in a country, state or local government area, he inherits things that are good and things that are difficult and challenging,” Kwankwaso said at the time.
Kwankwaso clarified his previous statement, saying he did not dictate what should be done.
