New Kano emirates: How Ganduje got social media ‘talking’

The creation of four new emirates in Kano State has elicited social media reactions.   Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, is again in the spotlight after the 2019 governorship rerun that got much social media hype. This time, he is in the limelight with another jaw-dropping issue which has got the media buzzing once more. […]

The creation of four new emirates in Kano State has elicited social media reactions.

 

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, is again in the spotlight after the 2019 governorship rerun that got much social media hype. This time, he is in the limelight with another jaw-dropping issue which has got the media buzzing once more.

After the State Assembly passed into law the recommendation on its committees to break up the Kano emirate, the governor assented to it on Wednesday, saying four more emirs would be named aside Emir Muhammad Sanusi II for the new emirates. The new emirates are Bichi, Gaya, Karaye and Rano. This matter got social media steaming with people’s reactions. Some believed Ganduje wanted to use this to get back at the emir for criticizing his administration before and during this year’s governorship elections.

A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode said in his Twitter handle @realFFK that “I have always had strong differences with Emir Sanusi of Kano, from the days we were together in the Progressive Action Movement (PAM) in 2000 up until the time he was Gov. of Central Bank but I have always respected him. I deplore the attempt to destroy him by the powers that be.”

However, even some supporters of Ganduje’s administration do not support his decision on this ground. Abbas Hamisu in his Facebook wall said “No to the creation of additional Emirates!

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“It is in view of the above that I am against the creation of additional Emirates in Kano. This will further weaken Kano as United force to reckon with in the North. This will weaken the Kano traditional institution. When others are created, they should be maintained…Let that chain of command be maintained.

“I know some day, Kano will be divided to other smaller units, but we should not encourage actions that will help in the acceleration of that process.

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Also, Ismail Ibrahim Ockler from his Twitter handle @ismailockler stated that “It does not make any sense. Kano emirate is united and peaceful. Any attempt to divide the emirate council will have a negative consequence on the peaceful co-existence. Not in support.”

Gimba Kakanda, commenting on the issue at his Twitter handle @gimbakakanda, reminded of history. He said “Do you know the security implication of foolishly tampering with an ancient Emirate? Google the riot that broke out in Kano in the 80s when Abubakar Rimi attempted to rubbish the position of Emir Bayero.”

The BBC Pidgin English service was also not left out in the issue. It quoted the Director-General in the Kano State Governor’s office. “Aminu Yassar as wey be DG Media for Kano govnor office tell BBC say dem no go tok anything regarding whether na dia principal wan take revenge on Emir Sanusi since na Assembly mata and e no concern dem.”

In a Tweet, Comrade Deji Adeyanju wrote: “Some religious leaders are keeping quiet now thinking this does not affect them. One day, the governor will not like your face, he will also come after you.”

Also, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State reacted in a Tweet at the handle ?@HEDankwambo saying “We will not be in power forever. Ramadan Mubarak. #IstandWithEmirSanusi>”

The hashtag #IstandwithEmirSanusi have been trending online for the past few days since Ganduje initiated the move approving new emirates.

The people of Kano have also organized a peaceful protest at Audu Bako secretariat on Thursday in response to the creation of more emirates urging people through the internet to come out and participate.