The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Bayero

  • BREAKING: Gov orders arrest of dethroned Kano Emir

    BREAKING: Gov orders arrest of dethroned Kano Emir

    Governor Abba Yusuf has ordered the arrest of dethroned Kano Emir Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero. 

    Bayero, whose whereabouts have been unknown since he was sacked on Thursday, arrived the ancient city on Saturday with a crowd of supporters receiving him at the airport. 

    But as soon as he arrived, Governor Yusuf ordered the immediate arrest of the deposed Monarch.

    The order was contained in a statement on Saturday by the Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sanusi Tofa.

    The Governor said Bayero should be arrested for allegedly creating tension in the state.

    The Nation reports the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) controlled House of Assembly repealed the law which ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje assented to on December 5, 2019.

    After assenting to the law, Ganduje split the emirates into five and appointed Emirs in charge of each.

    But while signing the repealed Kano Emirates Council Law, Yusuf gave all the Emirs affected by the law 48 hours to vacate their palaces and hand over to the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affair.

    He subsequently announced the reinstatement of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, whom Ganduje deposed in 2020.

    The Governor issued a reappointment letter to Sanusi on Friday and he led Jumat prayers at Government House, Kano.

    But in the early hours of Saturday, Ado Bayero returned to Kano to a crowd of supporters.

    The aircraft which conveyed the monarch touched down at the Aminu Kano International airport at 4:30am.

    He was immediately thronged by his supporters chanting a verse from Surah Al-Fatihah in the Holy Quoran.

    “You (alone) we worship, and you (alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).”

    While some others were saying, “God the Almighty will kill your enemies.”

    The former Emir, who was fully dressed in royal regalia, did not respond to the crowd as he took his steps consciously.

    Read Also: Judge who tried to stop Sanusi’s reinstatement as emir is in America, says Gov Yusuf

    He later observed Subhi (dawn prayer) at the airport. 

    The statement titled: ‘Gov. Yusuf Orders Arrest of Deposed Emir of Kano Aminu Ado Bayero,’ reads: “The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, ordered the immediate arrest of Bayero, for creating tension in the state.

    According to the statement, the new Emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, arrived at the palace in the company of the Governor, the Deputy Governor, the Speaker and other top government functionaries around 1 am on Saturday, May 25 2024.

    “As the Chief Security Officer of the state, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has directed the Commissioner of Police to arrest the deposed Emir with immediate effect for disturbing public peace and attempting to destroy the relative peace the state enjoys,” the statement added.

  • Late Ado Bayero’s daughter documents dad’s memories

    Late Ado Bayero’s daughter documents dad’s memories

    The late Emir Ado Bayero ascended the throne as Kano’s 13th Fulani Emir and 56th ruler on October 22, 1963. Hence, the story of his life and reign should ordinarily make any list of prospective subjects for documentaries a clear favourite.

    The revered monarch, who, prior to his ascension to the throne, was a successful businessman, banker, police officer, legislator, and diplomat, was a key player in the Nigerian political landscape.

    As an emir during Nigeria’s First Republic, he was not only known as one of the primary witnesses to the political turmoil that preceded the 30-month-long Civil War but he was also praised for bringing calm and stability to Kano during this and subsequent crises.

    Hence, it’s no surprise when Zainab Jummai Ado-Bayero, one of the daughters of the late and Kano’s longest-reigning emir decided to document her father’s reign with lofty memories.

    Read Also: I’ll get married, have a baby next year, Mercy Eke declares

    The documentary film about the late Ado Bayero was produced independently by Zainab, who is working on hitting the big screen with the project.

    Zainab has admitted that the idea to make a documentary film about her late dad was entirely her mom’s idea. And so Zainab did owing to her firm belief in her mother’s words and her lifelong passion for films, history, and novels.

    Zainab is looking at making her debut in the motion picture world with the soon-to-be-released over-two-hour-long documentary film entitled ‘My Father, The Emir: A Portrait of Ado Bayero.’

    In her words, Zainab explains her preference for a documentary over a biopic on her father saying she believes her viewers will get not only to see the real shots of her late father – as photographs and archival footage – but also hear his voice.

  • Kano partners with BUK to boost large-scale agriculture

    The Acting Governor of Kano state, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna on Tuesday, urged the Centre for Drylands Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University Kano (BUK) to partner with relevant Ministries and agencies of the state government in order to boost food sufficiency through the expansion of large scale farming in the state.

    Dr. Gawuna who is also the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, in his remarks during the opening ceremony of the 3rd International Conference on Drylands organized by CDA in collaboration with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, said that moving agriculture from subsistence to large-scale commercial enterprise should be taken seriously at this point of the nation’s history.

    He, however, noted that the theme of the Conference entitled, “Resource Constraints, Conflicts and Changing Climate in the Drylands: Options for Attaining SDGs,” remained timely considering the lingering conflicts between pastoralists and farmers, which has posed serious threat to the development of agriculture in some parts of the country.

    Describing Kano as one of the agricultural cornerstone of the country, Dr. Gawuna recalled the once booming groundnut pyramid in the ancient commercial city, but regretted that the coming of oil boom almost killed agriculture which was once the mainstay of the nation’s economy.

    According to him, the state government was committed, not only to regain the lost glory of agriculture, but to also ensure partnership with centres like the CDA and other development partners, so as to attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Also speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor, BUK, Prof. Muhammad Yahuza Bello, noted that the theme of the Conference, “hs in many ways, extended the themes of the two previous conferences on drylands held in 2014 and 2016.

    “I am particularly delighted that the theme for the 2018 conference stands out in the way it challenges speakers and presenters to seek solutions or give insights into understanding the serious challenges posed by climate change, competition for natural resources and conflicts in dryland areas.”

    The Vice Chancellor added that, “I have no doubt that universities have important roles to play in helping governments and other stakeholders to implement the noble objectives of the SDGs by sharing their knowledge and experiences.”

    In his welcome address, CDA Director, Prof. Jibrin M. Jibrin, decried what he described as serious shortage of skilled manpower in sub-Saharan Africa, saying that it has continued to retard the development of agricultural technology in the region.

    According to him, the biennial international conference on drylands is one of the programmes of the CDA that provides a platform for dissemination of research findings, networking and sharing of experiences between scientists, practitioners and other stakeholders.

    He said the theme of the Conference was timely, “because attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the drylands requires concerted efforts towards addressing myriads of problems related to climate change, high population pressure, and unsustainable land use practices. These are the underlining issues that lead to further degradation of land, low agricultural productivity, food and nutrition insecurity, severe poverty, conflicts and civil unrests.”

    The Speakers in the Conference include Dr. Peter Craufurd, Strategic Research Team Leader for Sustainable Intensification in Africa at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT); Bernard Vanlauwe, IITA, Kenya; Mr. Suffyan Koroma, FAO Representative to Nigeria; Raffaello Cervini, Lead Environmental Economist with the World Bank’s Environmental and Natural Resources Global Practice.

  • Bayero assumes office at NPA

    Bayero assumes office at NPA

    THE new Managing Director,  Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero, yesterday assumed office in Lagos.

    The sacked managing director, Mallam Habib Abdullahi,  handed over to Bayero  at a brief ceremony at the NPA headquarters, Marina.

    The new NPA boss, who is a lawyer, described his predecessor as a brother, friend and schoolmate,  who would be missed by NPA workers and stakeholders.

    Bayero said he was aware and conscious  of the enormity of the responsibility bestowed on him as the new managing director.

    He urged the authority’s management and workers to give him their unalloyed support to promote the organisation and boost the nation’s economy.

    He thanked God and President Goodluck Jonathan for appointing  him to serve the nation and Nigerians.

    He also thanked the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, and Chief Tony Aneinh for believing in him, and being a pillar of support and motivation before and after he was appointed.

    The out-going MD, however, advised the management and workers to give Bayero their maximum support.

  • Insecurity, Bayero’s ill-health hinder Sallah celebration in Kano

    Insecurity, Bayero’s ill-health hinder Sallah celebration in Kano

    This year’s Eid-el-Fitri was celebrated in Kano yesterday without the usual Durbar.

    The horse-riding spectacle usually characterises festivities in the ancient city.

    But the insecurity challenge in the state made the Durbar display a risky pastime yesterday.

    The Sallah in Kano, our reporter noted, was without the usual fanfare.

    The Wambai Kano, who is also the senior counsellor in the Emirate, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, told reporters that some traditional activities marking the end of the Ramadan fast and the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations would not be observed because of insecurity and the poor health of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.

    The senior counsellor, however, advised district heads in the 44 local government areas to observe a low-key celebration in their domains.

    The Wambai Kano also directed the district heads to converge on the Emir’s palace on the third day of eid for the normal Sallah homage to Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso at the Government House.

    He also urged the government not to relent in its efforts to rid Nigeria of the polio virus.

    In a Sallah message on behalf of Dr Bayero, who is out of the country on medical reasons, Wambai Kano also called on residents in the state to assist security agencies with relevant information in their effort to fight insurgency and criminal activities.

    Also, the Chief Imam, Prof. Sani Zahradeen, advised Nigerians to be more tolerant, united and peace-loving, regardless of their cultural, religious and political affiliations.

  • Bayero: 50 years on the throne of Kano

    Bayero: 50 years on the throne of Kano

    The ancient city of Kano is one of the seven Hausa Bakwai states allegedly founded by the eponymous ancestor of the Hausa people Bayajidda who married the Queen of Daura after killing the snake Sarki that was apparently terrorising the local people. Myth of course is not the subject of history but myth is important sometimes for rallying the people.

    Kano and Daura are sister emirates in the heartland of Northern Nigeria. It is generally presumed that Kano emerged as an embryonic settlement in the 8th century but by the 14th century, Kano was so highly developed that it did not only become a centre of commerce and industry but a centre of Islamic civilisation with its own Ajami script and with a civilisation that radiated into several parts of the central and western Sudan. Indeed Muhammad Al-Maghili, the 15th century Islamic teacher lived in Kano for a while. This Islamic tradition was overtime undermined by syncretist tendencies of the Habe rulers. This was one of the reasons for the Fulani jihad led by Usman Dan Fodio. The first Fulani emir of Kano was Muhammad Suleiman who displaced the last Habe ruler Muhammad Al Walid in 1805. Since the beginning of the 19th century, the Fulani emirs have been on the throne of Kano emirate, the most important economic centre of Hausa land. Kano developed as a result of its trade links with the Maghreb and North Africa in general. During the 19th century, Kano’s contact with the Western Sudan was further accentuated by the spread of the Tijanniyah brotherhood or Tariqa associated with the rise of Alhaji Umar, the 19th century founder of the Segu- Toucouleur Empire. The Tijanniyah brotherhood brought Kano and what is now Senegal into close proximity. Even though the Fulani emirs of Kano follow the Qadriyyah Tariqa, nevertheless, the liberal and vibrant economic environment of Kano tolerated other ideas within the broad spectrum of Islamic civilisation.

    When the colourful Muhammad Ado Sanusi, the Emir of Kano from 1954 -1963 came into conflict with modern political leadership of Northern Nigeria particularly Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of Northern Nigeria and was accused of high-handedness and consequently removed and banished to the dusty little settlement of Dutse, Kano emirate was shaken to its very foundation but the crisis was overcome when Muhammad Inuwa was appointed emir of Kano. He did not last long on the throne when he passed on in 1963 and a highly educated and highly regarded successor in the person of Ado Bayero, a son of Abdullahi Bayero, a previous emir was appointed emir. Mallam Ado Bayero was born on June 15, 1930. He had worked with the British Bank for West Africa and had also been involved in 1949 with the Kano native authority which under Sir Fredrick Lugard had developed the Beit-el-mal (Native Treasury) to such an extent that the revenue of Kano was almost half of the revenue of the entire Northern Nigeria and the emir then earned slightly more than the Governor-General of Nigeria. To serve in the Kano native authority in the management cadre was not a little thing then. Later on, Ado Bayero went abroad for higher education in local government administration. On his return, he became the chief clerk of Kano town council. In 1954, he contested election into the Northern House of Assembly on the platform of the NPC (Northern People’s Congress) – Jamiyar Mutanen Arewa and of course won the election in grand style. He later resigned his membership of the House of Assembly to head the Kano native administration police. He held this post from 1957 to 1962 from where he was appointed Ambassador plenipotentiary and extraordinary of Nigeria to Senegal and it was from this post that he was called back home 50 years ago to be appointed Emir of Kano.

    His appointment was a wonderful choice especially at a time when Nigeria had just acceded to independence and the future looked very bright. He has been on the throne of Kano during which time Kano had witnessed great strides in its development, fortunes and misfortunes and the various vicissitudes of life that is the experience of any vibrant city. The industrial growth of Kano during his reign has been phenomenal so also has been the educational development with several high schools and two universities and industrial layout as well as commercial enterprises; Kano remains the second most important economic centre of the country after Lagos. Because of this, the city has attracted a lot of people mostly from other parts of Nigeria and a large population of Asians particularly Lebanese and Syrians. Kano has also witnessed the radicalisation of politics as manifested through various left-winged political parties starting from Alhaji Aminu Kano’s NEPU – Northern Element Progressive Union which later metamorphosed into the PRP – People’s Republican Party. The Emir has also lived through the regimes of several governors in Kano particularly colourful ones such as Abubakar Rimi and Bakin Zuwo to mention but a few. Through all these, this wise Emir has been able to maintain peace and concord amongst his own people even when he was challenged by radical politicians and by the Maitatsine riot of 1979/1980 when the emirate was plunged into violence. If not for the wisdom with which the emir handled the situation, the story would have been different. His recent escape from an assassination plot by the Boko Haram shows that this group has no respect for anybody. The people of Kano rallied round their wise leader who in public statement displayed the greatest attribute of a great ruler when he said he fears nothing and whatever would be, would be and that his life is in the hands of Allah.

    His service to his people derives from the ideas of noblesse oblige in which leadership goes with service to the people, in which leadership carries responsibilities which must be fearlessly discharged. Bayero has been a steady hand in the politics of Kano and one dares say in the politics of Nigeria. His friendship with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, the spiritual head of the Yoruba people is symbolic and it is his own way of helping himself and Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuade, the Onirinsa of Ife, to cement the historic unity of the Yoruba and the Hausa which preceded the advent of British colonialism and a unity which is so desirable today if Nigeria is to survive.

    Alhaji Ado Bayero has also for years been chancellor of the premier university, the University of Ibadan. He has brought to the office the dignity and honour of a first class ruler and his wise counsel has been of great significance to the several administrations that have passed under his chancellorship. I had the privilege in 1981 or thereabouts, to attend an international conference on education with him in the United States and the dignity and glory he brought to this country remains indelible in my mind. Long live the Emir of Kano, Sai Sarkin Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero

  • Fayemi congratulates Bayero

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, on the 50th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.

    The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, described Bayero as a bridge builder and a committed figure to the unity of the Nigerian federation.

    Fayemi noted that the Kano monarch is a highly detribalised Nigerian who has used his position to assist governments at various levels to ensure stability in the polity.

    He pointed out that the Kano city has witnessed tremendous socio-economic development under the leadership of Bayero and has assumed a pre-eminent importance in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

    The governor further described the Emir as a selfless servant of the people of Kano Emirate and a compassionate philanthropist who is ever ready to assist the less privileged.

    He stressed that the Emir has demonstrated this in his services to the country as a public servant, senior police officer, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Senegal, royal father and a religious leader of international repute.

    Fayemi prayed God to grant Bayero more fruitful years on the throne and more selfless service to humanity.

     

  • Nothing frightens me, says Emir of Kano

    Nothing frightens me, says Emir of Kano

    Five months after a bloody attack on his convoy by suspected terrorists, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, says nothing frightens him.

    At least, three palace aides were killed in the January 19 attack.

    The emir and two of his sons were wounded and had to be flown abroad for treatment.

    Speaking in a rare interview in the palace on Thursday night, Alhaji Bayero said: “In fact,I don’t even know what shock is.”

    He was asked if he had ever been in a state of shock or frightened by anything. His response: “What do you mean by shock? In fact, I don’t even know what shock is. What I believe is that whatever happens to me on this earth is destined to happen to me by Almighty Allah.

    “So there is no point in showing any fear, as whatever happens to any person is already pre-destined to happen to him. Therefore, wherever such things happen, whether good or bad, what is required from that person is to thank Allah; if it is for good, exercise patience.”

    The interview was to mark the emir’s 50th year on the throne.

    He praised Allah for his long reign,saying: “I have nothing much to say than to thank Allah for sparing my life to witness these years on the throne as the longest serving Emir of Kano. It is not by my doing. It is through the help of Allah that I was able to have a good and understanding relationship with all the governors that governed the state during my reign.

    “Alhamdulillah, all praises are due to Allah who, through all assistance, made it possible for me to witness these years on the throne, a feat that none of my predecessors achieved.

    “I thank all the people of Kano and the country at large for showing me great love during this time and to have succeeded despite challenges because as I always say whoever puts his trust in Allah and follow instruction as prescribed by Islam in whatever he does, that person has nothing to worry about. So it is through Allah’s assistance that we succeeded all these years.”

    Thousands of well wishers yesterday thronged the special jumat in Kano for the celebration. The jumat was led by the Chief Imam of Kano, Professor Sani Zharadeen, and assisted by Sheik Mohammed Nasiru Mohammed, the Chief Imam of Waje Mosque.

    Prof Zharadeen praised Alhaji Bayero for his numerous achievements on the throne and prayed to Allah to continue to guide and sustain him.

    The prayer session was followed by the launch of a book Kafayatu Dhu’Afa Al-Sudan, (a translation of the Holy Quran) by the late Abdullahi Gwandu, a younger brother of the founder of the Sokoto caliphate to enhance the knowledge of the Quran and its meaning.

    Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, launched the book with N25 million, while Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State bought some copies for N10 million which he said would be distributed to schools in the state.

    The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar Waziri, who represented the Federal Government, bought 100 copies of the book for N12 million and said that the inability of President Goodluck Jonathan to be present on the occasion was caused by official exigencies.

    Also at the ceremony were: the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu; the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammed Iliyasu Bashar; Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbau El-Kanemi; Sarkin Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Usman Abubakar; and Sarkin Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje.

  • Sambo visits Bayero

    The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Abdullahi Bayero, yesterday in his palace received Vice- President Namadi Sambo, one week after his return from London.

    He appealed to Nigerians to seek God’s intervention in the insecurity in the country.

    Bayero, who travelled to London on January 20, a day after his convoy was attacked in Kano after returning from a religious programme at Massalacin Murtala, urged Nigerians to remain patriotic and positive, adding that with fasting and prayer, the country would overcome insecurity.

    He said insecurity is not peculiar to the country alone, adding that if Nigerians unite and work together, the problem will be surmounted.

    The monarch enjoined Nigerians to be steadfast and seek peace at all times, noting that with prayers and patriotism, the country would overcome its difficulties.

    Emir Bayero said the attack on his convoy by gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram and other problems bedevilling the country was an art of God, adding that the solution was for Nigerians to embrace God and be more concerned about the peaceful co-existence and development of the country.

    He thanked Nigerians and political leaders within and outside Africa, who showed concern while he was away in London, adding that their prayers contributed to his quick recovery.

    Vice-President Sambo said he was in Kano with a delegation from the Presidency to commiserate with the Kano Emirate Council, government and the people of Kano State on the January 19 attack on the Emir’s convoy.

    He extended the greetings of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Kano Royal Father, saying the Presidency remains grateful to God for saving the life of the Emir.

    Sambo described the incident as unfortunate. He said the Federal Government is doing everything to ensure that peace and stability are restored to the North and Nigeria in general.

    Security was tightened during Vice-President Sambo’s visit.

  • Bayero: The ruler as long-distance runner

    Bayero: The ruler as long-distance runner

    Since October 22, 1963, when Alhaji Ado Bayero emerged the 13th Fulani Emir of Kano and the 56th ruler of the Hausa Kingdom, succeeding the late Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa, he has remained one of the most influential traditional rulers not only in the north, but also throughout the country.

    Born July 25, 1930 to Hajiya Hasiya and Abdullahi Bayero, Ado Bayero’s alleged financial success became well known even before his emergence as the Emir of Kano.  For example, it is on record that in the business sector, he made a name early, both locally and internationally, especially in the stock market investment and agricultural sectors, where he excelled.

    Public Service

    After graduating from the School of Arabic Studies in 1947, Bayero worked as a bank clerk for the Bank of British West Africa.

    In 1949, he joined the then Kano Native Authority and was the head of the police division of the Kano Native Authority from 1957 to 1962. He took time off in 1952 to attend Zaria Clerical College.

    Before his emergence as the Emir of Kano, Ado, the son of Alhaji Abdullahi Bayero dan Muhammad Abbas, a former Emir, who reigned for 27 years, also made a mark in the public service, serving as the Nigerian Ambassador to Senegal.

    Traditional stool and politics

    As one of the most influential traditional rulers in the country, Bayero’s name has featured prominently in the political circles since the First Republic.

    This is understandable because he became emir of one of the well established traditional institutions in the country during the First Republic, shortly after independence, when new leaders were just emerging to take charge of the nation’s political power.

    It was also a time when regional, sub-regional and ethnic discord first became well pronounced across the new nation. Also just before his emergence, Kano traditional stool, then under his predecessor, Inuwa, became involved in political and power struggle with new emerging political structures, including two pro-Kano political movements like the Kano People’s Party.

    Emerging as emir under this political atmosphere and shortly before the major political crisis in the north, Bayero is credited with helping to create a united front in the Northern Region and for peace in the later crises in Kano.

    Bayero’s powers, which many radical northern elites considered rather awesome had since 1966 also suffered in their hands, especially under military administrations. Military regimes between 1966 and 1979, for example, actually evolved policies that eroded some powers of the emir. The Native Authority Police and Prisons Department was abolished, the emir’s judicial council was supplanted by another body, and local government reforms in 1968, 1972, and 1976 reportedly reduced the powers of the emir.

    Also during the Second Republic, Abubakar Rimi-led People’s Redemption Party (PRP) came down hard on the powers of the emir.

    The challenges notwithstanding, Bayero has remained a very dynamic leader and one of the most revered voices of the North. In 2002, he led a Kano Elders Forum in opposing the onshore and offshore abrogation bill.