Nuhu Ribadu addresses Ado Bayero as Kano’s emir at public event

Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser, made headlines on Thursday when, at an Abuja event, he referred to Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano.

A few months ago, Bayero and Sanusi Muhammadu Sanusi, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), fought it out for the position of Kano Emirship.

Former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje deposed Sanusi from the throne and named Bayero the new Emir back in March 2020.

But four years later, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Ganduje’s replacement, fired Bayero and put Sanusi back in place.

Bayero, whose removal was announced while he was outside the state, returned to Kano and took residence in the mini palace at Nasarawa, where he has been conducting his court.

Subsequently, Governor Yusuf ordered the immediate arrest of the monarch.

However, rather than complying, security measures were intensified at the mini palace, leading to speculation that Bayero had support from federal authorities.

Reacting to the development, Aminu Gwarzo, the Deputy Governor of Kano, claimed that Ribadu played a role in Bayero’s return by providing him with two private jets.

Ribadu denied these allegations and threatened legal action against Gwarzo.

In a letter from Aliyu & Musa Chambers, Ribadu’s legal representatives, an apology was demanded from the deputy governor, who subsequently retracted his statement.

The dispute over the emirate eventually transitioned to the judicial system, with both parties filing separate lawsuits against each other.

Today, during the 1st Annual International Lecture organized by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, themed “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024),” Ribadu acknowledged Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano.

While recognizing the dignitaries present, Ribadu stated, “Of course the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero,” which was met with applause from the audience.

According to reports, the video clip has sparked a wide range of responses on social media.

View the video clip below