Former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said only the Supreme Court of Nigeria can decide the fate of Muhammadu Sanusi II in the lingering emirship dispute in Kano.
Ganduje stated this while reacting to reports claiming he had endorsed Sanusi as Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs during the swearing-in ceremony of the Deputy Governor.
In a statement signed by his Chief of Staff and former Commissioner for Information, Comrade Muhammad Garba, the former governor described the reports as a misinterpretation of his remarks, explaining that referring to Sanusi by his traditional title was only out of respect and public protocol.
“It was merely a routine expression of courtesy in a public gathering and should not be interpreted as an endorsement,” the statement said.
The former governor cautioned against excessive public comments on the matter, noting that the emirship dispute remains before the court. He recalled that the Court of Appeal had directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case.
According to him, the current legal position recognises Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 14th Emir, pending the final verdict of the Supreme Court.
Ganduje further stressed that as a former governor, he has no constitutional powers to endorse or reject any claimant to the emirship throne, adding that the matter rests entirely with the judiciary and the state government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
He also expressed concern that sections of the media had blown the issue out of proportion, urging all parties to remain calm and await the Supreme Court judgment expected next year.