Emirship tussle: Why I arrested Bayero – Gov Yusuf opens up

Governor Abba Yusuf has clarified his motives for ordering the arrest of Aminu Bayero, the ousted Emir of Kano, a move that resulted in a damages assessment of ₦10 million.

Through his spokesperson Sunusi Bature, the Governor said he ordered Bayero’s arrest as Bayero returned two days after his dethronement to recover the palace and cause disturbance in the state.

Bature defended Governor Yusuf against allegations of recklessness and executive misbehavior in response to the paper “A Rendezvous with Recklessness and Executive Rascality” by Bala Ibrahim.

TopNaija notes that the Federal High Court in Kano recently ordered the state government to compensate Bayero ₦10 million for breaching his basic rights, personal liberty, and freedom of movement.

Under Justice Simon Amobeda’s direction, the court reviewed Section 35(1) and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

Yusuf’s choice to have Bayero arrested without a valid reason was decided to be unfair. Because he was concerned about being arrested, Bayero was placed under house arrest after this ruling.

Taking advantage of the ruling as an opportunity, Bala Ibrahim attacked and denigrated the governor for his alleged misuse of authority and careless decision-making, most notably including the demolition of buildings and the publication of Bayero’s arrest warrant, so entituating all impacted parties to compensation by the court.

However, the governor’s spokesperson said: “Does Bala Ibrahim actually understand the workings of government and governance?

“I do not want to go into judicial pronouncements, but the point I want to make clear is that the issue of Kano Emirship is straightforward with the repeal of the Kano Emirate Law (2019) and enactment of Kano Emirate Law (2024), which gave Governor Yusuf the power to abolish the five emirates and return Kano to its glorious and historic position of one emirate.

“This is the wish of the people of Kano state.

“The reappointment of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II did not also come to anyone as a surprise, because his dethronement and consequent banishment by Abdullahi Ganduje and his co-travellers was done out of malice.

“Now, calling for the arrest of dethroned Emir Aminu Bayero was only done for public good as his entrance into Kano, shortly after his dethronement posed a serious security threat which is being managed up till today.

“Governor Abba Yusuf remains the Chief Security Officer of Kano state, and no sane leader would fold his arms and watch Kano snowballs into a state of anarchy without taking action.”

The governor also defended the demolition of buildings, stating it was aimed at reclaiming public property illegally acquired by former Governor Ganduje, his associates, and family.

He emphasized the exercise’s necessity to prevent individuals from misappropriating public funds and resources.

Despite criticism from figures like Bala Ibrahim, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to Kano state’s welfare and socio-economic advancement.