Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, has retracted his statement accusing the Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, of interfering in the Kano emirate tussle.
At a press conference late Sunday May 26, 2024, the deputy governor apologized to the NSA, acknowledging that his initial accusations were misguided.
“The Office of the National Security Adviser has refuted the allegations and distanced themselves from what we have alleged. I have seen it, he has done it through three media, and today, I have seen the one about going to court,” Gwarzo stated. He continued, “We have to acknowledge that we have been misled into believing that the NSA was behind the happenings along this line.”
Gwarzo expressed regret for any distress caused by his comments, stating, “We apologise to the National Security Adviser, his person and office for any embarrassment and inconveniences this might have caused him. We are human and can err at any time. On my behalf and the Governor of Kano State, I want to assure the NSA of our continued support and cooperation in discharging his duty as the NSA.”
Previously, the NSA’s office had denied claims that Ribadu facilitated the return of the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, to the ancient city on Saturday. The deputy governor had alleged that Ribadu had used security measures to intimidate the people of Kano and facilitate Bayero’s return. He asserted that “nobody has any right to interfere or enforce anyone on Kano people.”
The NSA refuted these claims and threatened to sue Gwarzo for defamation. “I did not provide the aircraft that returned Ado Bayero to the state,” Ribadu clarified.
Ado Bayero returned to the state early on Saturday, just 48 hours after being dethroned by Governor Abba Kabir and replaced with Muhammadu Sanusi II.
