Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has stated that only the Supreme Court can determine the final outcome of the lingering Kano emirship tussle involving Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero.
Ganduje made the clarification while reacting to reports suggesting that he had endorsed Sanusi as Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his former Commissioner for Information and Chief of Staff, Muhammad Garba, the former governor described the reports as a misinterpretation of events during the swearing-in ceremony of the deputy governor.
According to him, his reference to Sanusi by his traditional title at the event was merely an act of courtesy and respect in line with public protocol, and not an endorsement of any claimant in the emirship dispute.
“It is important to clarify that what happened was simply an expression of respect in a public gathering. It should not be misconstrued as an endorsement,” the statement said.
Ganduje emphasized that the matter remains before the courts and warned against comments or actions capable of undermining judicial proceedings.
He recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case by the Supreme Court.
According to him, the current legal position recognizes Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano, while Muhammadu Sanusi II retains recognition as the 14th Emir of Kano until the apex court delivers its final judgment.
The former governor further noted that he has no constitutional authority to endorse or reject any contender for the throne, stressing that the resolution of the dispute lies solely with the judiciary and the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Ganduje also faulted sections of the media for amplifying what he described as a routine acknowledgment of protocol, saying the interpretation given to his remarks was exaggerated.
He urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and await the Supreme Court’s verdict, which he said is expected in April next year.
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