Former Kano State Governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau has attributed the ongoing emirate crisis in the state to political interference in traditional institutions. Shekarau, who has refrained from directly involving himself in the dispute, emphasized that a peaceful resolution is crucial for maintaining harmony in Kano.
The crisis erupted recently when Governor Abba Yusuf reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, removing his predecessor, Aminu Ado Bayero.
This decision followed the repealing of the Kano State House of Assembly Emirate law of 2019, which had previously paved the way for Ado Bayero’s installation.
Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Shekarau expressed his deep concern about the situation but made it clear that he would not intervene in the matter.
He suggested that the involvement of politicians in traditional affairs has aggravated the crisis.
“If politicians had stayed away from the traditional institutions, there wouldn’t have been this emirate crisis,” Shekarau said.
He highlighted the need for a clear separation between political and traditional roles to avoid such conflicts in the future.
Shekarau noted, “The political angle seems to have led us into this crisis. If the politicians had kept away from all of this and the traditional institution had been properly engaged, I don’t see any disagreement.
“Traditional institutions play a vital role in society, and there needs to be a synergy of understanding between them and the government.”
Reflecting on his tenure as governor, Shekarau recalled his collaborative efforts with the Emir of Kano to address social issues such as the almajiri system, a traditional system of Quranic education for underprivileged children.
He highlighted the establishment of a 50-member Almajiri Council, co-chaired by himself and the Emir, as a successful example of how traditional and political leaders can work together for societal benefit.
During his appearance on the television program, Shekarau reiterated his commitment to seeing a peaceful resolution to the current crisis.
“I am from Kano, and I want everything in Kano to be peaceful. We are waiting, and my prayer is that we overcome this crisis soonest,” he said.
