The presidency has denied that President Muhammadu Buhari have a hand on the dethronement of the former Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Mr. Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) says in Abuja that such insinuations are 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.
“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.
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.
He said Buhari commends the people of Kano for keeping calm in the past few days of the dethronement announcement.
Former Kano Governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso had accused President Buhari of ordering the dethronement of Sanusi II.
He also denied the claim by Kano State Government that, his administration queried Emir Sanusi three times.
Meanwhile, the new Emirs of Kano and Bichi, Aminu Ado Bayero and Nasiru Ado Bayero, have received their appointment letters.
The Emirs, who are brothers and sons of the late Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, where appointed by the Kano state government after the dethronement of Sanusi over alleged flagrant disrespect of traditions and customs of the ancient city.
