Kano is clearly determined to dominate the headlines with diverse developments playing out in the tussle between the state governor and the Emir of Kano. The Advocates for Kano United, a platform of notable members of the elite in the state is throwing its weight behind the mediation of the conflict by a team headed by General Abubakar Abdulsalami, former Head of State of Nigeria. Although General Abdulsalami is understood to be away from the country currently, the team has already had preliminary discussions with both the Emir and the governor and secured de-escalation commitments from both of them.
Alhaji AdamuFika, holding the ground for Gen Abdulsalami for now
Intervention understood from unimpeachable sources that the meeting with the conflict parties was preceded with a meeting with President Buhari sometimes last week and from the president appeared to be knowing the sort of details he obviously never knew of the rough tackles going on in the volatile space called Kano.
Referencing the December 22nd, 2019 press statement signed by Alhaji Adamu Fika for the incipient mediation team, the notables frame the initiative as aimed at finding ways and means for the amicable resolution of the lingering crises in Kano pertaining to the creation of four additional emirates in the state and what it fears could be its attendant conflicts and destabilizing consequences.
As such, the Advocates for Kano United which has issued more than one press statement on the face-off is noting its relief and gratitude at the news of a peace and conciliation initiative embarked upon by people it describes as “highly respected elders and other well-meaning stakeholders from across the land under the Chairmanship of Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar”.
The statement signed by Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa who serves as the Chairman declares its wholehearted welcome for the initiative and the concern shown by all those behind it, particularly acknowledging President Buhari’s full support of what it calls such a laudable undertaking and pledging gratitude of the people of Kano to Mister President.
The platform is calling on all sides to fully cooperate with members and stay engaged with the initiative so as to resolve the crisis and reconcile all parties. It is similarly demanding of all else to stay off taking any actions or making any statements that could inflame passions or hamper the reconciliation efforts.
