Kano Emirate feud: Group calls on US to impose visa ban on Gov. Yusuf, officials

…Says State Govt risks losing grants, partnerships over anti-democratic practices

…Requesting visa ban on Kano Gov, State officials ridiculous — Shehu Sani

A coalition of civil society organisations in Kano State, the Save Kano Coalition, has called on the United States and the international community to impose visa restrictions on members of Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration.

The coalition alleges that the administration is involved in the ongoing Kano Emirate crisis, which has seen the removal of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano.

In a petition dated June 28, 2024, the coalition appealed to the US Ambassador to take action against the Abba Yusuf-led administration, citing their involvement in the crisis and their attempts to undermine democratic institutions in the state.

The petition also references the recent nullification of the Emirates Council Law by the Kano Assembly, which led to the removal of all positions created under the previous law.

The coalition also called for the Kano government to be blacklisted from grants and partnership by international organisations and development and or donor agencies until it “ceases to disobey court orders and bring a halt to all anti-democratic practices.”

The group warned that if urgent steps are not taken now, it could have “unimaginable consequences” for the peace, law, order, and socio-economic well-being of the state in the near future.

The coalition said in a statement signed by its Convener, Comr. Ibrahim Musa, “This has become necessary as the governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf and his Party, the NNPP have turned Kano into a banana republic and a laughing stock in the eyes of the outside world.

“The rule of law has become the biggest casualty as the governor who has already subjugated the legislative arm of government, now interpretes judgements of the Court to conform with his vicious, malicious and vindictive intentions.

“The Kano Emirate Council which the governor is working overtime to convert to an appendage of his political Party is a revered traditional institution with age-long values, culture, customs and traditions that is cherished, held in high esteem and guided jealously by subjects of the Emirate Council and outsiders alike.

“Today, the ancient city sits on edge as a result of the division and enmity which governor Yusuf and his godfather, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have imported into Kano politics. The disregard for due process in running the affairs of the state has become so alarming that we can no longer pretend that all is well with our dear State and if the American government and her international allies who are the custodians of democracy, civil and human rights decide to turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to happenings in the state.”

The Save Kano Coalition warns that Governor Yusuf’s actions are planting a “time-bomb” that will soon explode, threatening peace and stability in Kano State, Nigeria, and Africa.

The group alleged that the actions of Governor Yusuf are influenced by his godfather, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to target perceived political enemies.

It said, “With the governor’s penchant for disobeying the orders of the court, the people are already being tempted to resort to self-help and take the law into their own hands.

“This could also lead to open confrontation between over overzealous supporters of the governor and his party on the one hand, and the law enforcement agencies on the other hand as their neutrality is being seen as working against the interest of the ruling government in the state to be

“We call for stringent sanctions against the Governor Abba Yusuf-led government in Kano State until he ceases to disobey court orders and bring a halt to all anti-democratic practices. We equally demand that travel bans and visa restrictions be placed on the governor and top members of his cabinet.

“We call for the Kano government to be blacklisted from grants and partnership by international organisations and development and or donor agencies whose interests can no longer be guaranteed in the volatile environment which the government has created with their own hands,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, a former senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has dismissed the call for a visa ban on Kano Governor Abba Yusuf and state officials over the Emirship tussle as “ridiculous.”

Sani’s reaction comes after a group petitioned the Ex-Senator Sani Slams Visa Ban Request on Kano Governor, Officials as “Ridiculous” community to impose a visa ban and blacklist the Kano government from grants and partnerships, citing disobedience to court orders and disrepute to democratic practices.

In a post on his social media handle, Sani expressed his disapproval of the request, terming it “ridiculous.”

But reacting to the group’s call, Sani wrote on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, July 1: “Requesting for Visa ban on the Kano Governor and state officials because of the Emirship tussle is ridiculous.”