Uneasy calm pervades Kano as Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is set to announce the new Emir today.
Security has been placed on red alert pending the announcement and strategic junctions taken over by security agents to forestall break down of law and order.
Kwankwaso, who addressed reporters shortly after a visit by the Kano four kingmakers to his office, yesterday, disclosed that “barring any last-minute change in plan, the new Emir would emerge Sunday (today).”
Kwankwaso, flanked by the kingmakers, refused further inquiries on the succession race, stressing that “we are set to announce the Emir tomorrow” (today).
The governor added: “The kingmakers, led by their Chairman, are here to condole with me over the death of our Emir and, want to assure you that we would announce the new Emir on Sunday”.
Late Emir Ado Bayero with one of his grand daughters
Late Emir Ado Bayero with one of his grand daughters
The kingmakers are the Makaman Kano, Sarki Ibrahim, the Sarki Bai, Alhaji Adnana, the Sarki Dawaki Mai Tuta, Alhaji Bello Abubakar, and the Madakin Kano Yusuf NaBuhari.
we learnt that they submitted to the governor their shortlist of four candidates, two each from the Sanusi dynasty and the Alhaji Ado Ruling House.
The kingmakers were also said to have recommended the son of the late Emir, who also doubles as the Chiroman Kano, to succeed his late father, stressing that the choice remains a stabilising factor for now.
The kingmakers were said to have told Kwankwaso that their nominee remained the only choice to assuage the restive populace as the governor’s quarrel with the late Emir depressed him .
They were said to have told Kwankwaso, that “we carefully assessed the situation and believe that the only way to avoid crisis is to honour the late Emir with appointment of his successor.”
When we visited the palace, the Chiroman Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero, was seen receiving guests while his brothers are believed to have stepped down for him.
Courtesy Vanguard