Emirship tussle: Kano deputy gov apologises, retracts allegation against Ribadu

Aminu Gwarzo, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, has issued an apology to Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, after previously alleging Ribadu’s involvement in the emirship tussle in Kano.

Gwarzo had claimed that Ribadu facilitated the return of Aminu Bayero, the dethroned Emir of Kano, by providing him with two private jets.

The controversy began following the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir, after which Bayero returned to the emirate and moved into a palace in Nassarawa LGA of the state.

Gwarzo stated, “The national security adviser gave two jets to bring the dethroned Emir to Kano and to bring him to the palace. We have not understood their intention.”

Ribadu denied the allegations and threatened legal action against Gwarzo.

In response, Ribadu’s legal counsel, Aliyu & Musa Chambers, issued a letter demanding an apology from Gwarzo.

The letter stated, “Our client and his office take your allegations seriously, and by this letter, our client is demanding that you provide irrefutable evidence to substantiate your claims.

“If you have no proof, our client demands you, within 24 hours: i. retract the libellous allegation in a similar manner you made it as well as give it wide media circulation; and ii. issue a public apology in five national dailies with wide national coverage and on popular online platforms.

“Note that if you fail to do so, our client will be compelled to seek redress in a court of law.”

On Monday, Gwarzo retracted his allegations and apologised to Ribadu.

Gwarzo acknowledged that the allegations were unfounded and that the office of the NSA had refuted and distanced itself from these claims.

“The office of the national security adviser has refuted the allegations and distanced themselves from what we have alleged,” Gwarzo stated.

“I have seen it, he has done it through three mediums, and today, I have seen the one about going to court.”

Gwarzo explained that after further investigation, the Kano State government realized that Ribadu was not involved in the airlifting of Bayero to Kano.

“We have to acknowledge that we have been misled into believing that the NSA was behind the happenings along this line.”

He expressed regret for any embarrassment or inconvenience caused to Ribadu and his office.

“We apologise to the national security adviser, his person and office for any embarrassment and inconveniences this might have caused him,” Gwarzo said.

Gwarzo also assured Ribadu of the Kano State government’s continued support and cooperation.

“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.

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.

“We were really worried and shocked when we found out that he was not behind the plan to forcefully impose a dethroned Emir on Kano. So we apologise.”

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