Some eminent political leaders from the North East Zone have warned “distractors” to leave the national security adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, out of the festering crisis in Kano State over the Emirate stool.
The leaders said the planned move to implicate Ribadu in the unfolding crisis will be resisted. They warned that fingering Ribadu in the crisis would have serious consequences.
On Saturday, Kano State deputy governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo blamed Ribadu for allegedly facilitating the return of the dethroned emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero to the palace.
Gwarzo, in a short video interview at the Emir’s Palace in Gidan Rumfa on Saturday, alleged that the NSA released two jets to bring Ado Bayero to Kano.
The president of the Movement for North East Organisation Forum, Alhaji Abdurrahman Buba Kwaccham, who released a statement on behalf of other North East leaders, wondered why Ribadu would be dragged into a local matter that doesn’t pose any security threat to the country.
Kwaccham said Ribadu, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu last year, has been busy with his daily task of keeping Nigeria safe and advising president accordingly.
He said dragging him into the matter to score cheap political points will serve no good, as he maintained the North East will not stand idle while Kano politicians are allowed to talk carelessly.
Kwaccham called on the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to restore law and order in the state, even as he urged him to reconcile all feuding parties involved in the unfolding crisis.
Kwaccham said: “We have watched with dismay the unfolding crisis in Kano State and plans by the local actors to drag the NSA, Ribadu into the mess. Ribadu is the NSA, and appointing an Emir is not one of his responsibilities. Trying to paint a picture that’s not true will have consequences.
“What’s happening in Kano is a local matter that involves actors in the state. What is the business of Nuhu Ribadu in that? Trying to score cheap political points will backfire. They should leave Ribadu alone to continue to discharge his duties.
“Since his appointment, Nigerians have seen the relative peace we’re enjoying. Kidnappings have reduced, and the insurgency is receding. We’re not out of the woods completely, but Nigeria has made some giant strides since President Tinubu appointed Ribadu.
“He’s focused on doing more and eliminating banditry and other forms of violent conflicts in Nigeria. Trying to distract him from internal issues in Kano is not doing anyone any good.
“We call on the Kano State governor and other leaders in the state not to ignite any fire they cannot put out. Nigeria needs Ribadu, and they should allow him to focus on his core mandate. “
