Kano Calm As Rival Emirate Councils Suspend Durbar Activities

Calm has returned to Kano State following the suspension of all Eid-el-Kabir durbar activities by the two rival emirate councils, in compliance with security directives issued by the Kano State Police Command.

The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and the 16th Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, separately announced the cancellation of their planned Sallah durbar processions over security concerns.

Both monarchs had earlier unveiled plans to hold the traditional Hawan Daushe and Hawan Nassarawa celebrations as part of the Eid festivities.

However, the Kano State Police Command directed the two emirates to suspend the parallel processions, citing the need to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order in the state.

Announcing the suspension on behalf of Emir Bayero, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, said the decision followed consultations with security agencies and was aimed at preserving peace and stability in Kano.

According to him, the emirate council remained committed to maintaining law and order during the Sallah celebrations.

“We are law-abiding citizens, and we have resolved to comply fully with the directives of the security agencies in the interest of peace and stability in Kano,” he stated.

Similarly, speaking on behalf of Emir Sanusi, the Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim, disclosed that the emirate council received security reports indicating that some individuals planned to exploit the durbar celebrations to foment trouble and disrupt public peace.

He explained that suspending activities became necessary to avoid a crisis and to sustain the peaceful atmosphere in the state during the Eid celebration.

“The suspension became necessary following security reports that some elements intended to use the durbar activities to create chaos and threaten public peace,” he said.

The suspension of the traditional horse-riding festivities followed an earlier appeal by the police to both emirates to prioritise public safety, peace and stability by shelving the planned processions.

Residents across the Kano metropolis were seen going about their normal activities peacefully after the announcement. At the same time, security personnel maintained surveillance in strategic locations to forestall any breach of the peace.