PeakNews Online
Kano, Nigeria – June 17, 2024 – The residents of Kano celebrated Eid-el-Kabir in a peaceful and orderly manner despite the ongoing emirate crisis. The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Hussaini Gumel, who has recently been promoted to Assistant Inspector-General, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the Sallah prayers across the state.
According to reports from all 44 local government areas, the festivities were marked by a serene atmosphere, allaying fears of potential skirmishes due to the lingering emirship tussle in the state.
Earlier, the state police command had banned the Kano Durbar, a traditional festivity, following a clash of orders over its celebration. Both the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi, and the deposed Emir Ado Bayero had requested security for the Durbar, prompting concerns about possible unrest. The command decided the event could lead to anarchy.
This decision comes in the wake of a royal crisis after the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano. The state House of Assembly repealed the Kano Emirate Law 2019 and enacted the Kano Emirate Law 2024 on May 23, 2024. Governor Abba Yusuf signed the new bill into law the following day, reinstating Sanusi and dismissing the rulers of the five emirates—Kano, Bichi, Karaye, Gaya, and Rano—established by former Governor Umar Ganduje.
In response to the Durbar ban, the contending emirs were directed to pray at different mosques. Bayero prayed at the Nassarawa Mosque while Sanusi led prayers at Sheikh Tijjani Mosque at Kofar Mata, Kano. Governor Yusuf and other dignitaries joined Sanusi for the prayers. In his sermon, Sanusi underscored the importance of following Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, especially in aiding the needy during Eid-al-Adha.
Residents expressed their contentment with the peaceful celebrations. Alhaji Mohammad Abubakar from Tauroni praised the orderly conduct of the prayers and commended the security forces for maintaining peace. Alhaji Isa Musa from Charanchi emphasized the need for continued security presence beyond the Sallah celebrations. Alhaji Kabiru Danlami from Dorayi urged residents to support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities.
Meanwhile, the Arewa Youth Advancement Forum extended their felicitations to Emir Bayero. In a statement by its President, Nuhu Magaji, the group praised Bayero’s commitment to the progress and development of the state, despite recent adversities. The forum urged Bayero to forgive his adversaries and commended his unwavering dedication to promoting unity and stability in Kano.
“As the Muslim Ummah celebrates Eid al-Adha, we stand in solidarity with Emir Bayero, a symbol of peace, progress, and stability. His wise leadership and vision continue to inspire our generation,” the statement read.
