‘Buhari Was Not Involved In Sanusi’s Dethronement’- Presidency Breaks Silence

The Presidency, on Wednesday denied having any involvement in the dethronement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, saying that President Muhammadu Buhari should be left out of Sanusi’s removal.

Former Kano Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Wednesday, in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, had alleged that President Buhari ordered the dethronement of the former Emir.

However, in a statement issued by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) on Wednesday said Buhari has no involvement whatsoever in the dethronement of Sanusi from the position of Emir of Kano.

The Presidency also accused political opposition elements of spreading what it described as a ‘politically motivated and untrue insinuations’, saying it is unfair of the authors of the allegations to spread such against the President.

The statement said: “All 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.

“President Buhari commends the people of Kano for keeping calm in the past few days of the dethronement announcement. He prays that the will of Allah will be done at all times, and that the emirate/state and its people continue to experience progress irrespective of who is on the throne.”