President Muhammadu Buhari has given reasons why he did intervene in the deposition of Muhammadu Sanusi II from the position of Emir of Kano.
“As outlined in the Constitution, the appointment or removal of emirs and other traditional leaders is strictly within the jurisdiction of state governments. It is unfair and disingenuous of opposition politicians to try to link the situation in Kano State to the federal government and the Nigerian President.”
A statement today, March 11 by a presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu reacting to ex governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s allegation that it was the President that ordered the removal of the Emir, Buhari described such insinuations as untrue, malicious and politically motivated.
“The President does not have a history of intervening in the affairs of any state in the country, unless the issue at hand is of national consequence. On such matters which impinge on national security, he has a duty of involvement as the law stipulates.
“Although a retired General and former Military Head of State, President Buhari clearly understands that under the current democratic dispensation, the government at the centre cannot read instructions or twist the arms of all or any of the 36 state governments making up the federation. They all have their powers specified under the Constitution.”
President Buhari commended the people of Kano for keeping calm in the past few days of the dethronement announcement even as he said that the will of Allah will be done at all times.
He prayed that the emirate and state as well its people continue to experience progress irrespective of who is on the throne.