President Muhammadu Buhari has denied any involvement in the dethronement of Muhammadu Sanusi from the position of Emir of Kano.
He said any insinuations to the effect that he was involved in any way were untrue, malicious and politically motivated.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the president said he did not have a history of intervening in the affairs of any state in the country, unless the issue at hand was of national consequence.
He said on such matters which might impinge on national security, he had a duty of involvement as the law might stipulate.
“As outlined in the Constitution, the appointment or removal of emirs and other traditional leaders is strictly within the jurisdiction of state governments. It is unfair and disingenuous of opposition politicians to try to link the situation in Kano State to the federal government and the Nigerian President.
The statement reads in part: “Although a retired General and former Military Head of State, President Buhari clearly understands that under the current democratic dispensation, the government at the centre cannot read instructions or twist the arms of all or any of the 36 state governments making up the federation. They all have their powers specified under the Constitution.
“President Buhari commends the people of Kano for keeping calm in the past few days of the dethronement announcement. He prays that the will of Allah will be done at all times, and that the emirate/state and its people continue to experience progress irrespective of who is on the throne.”
