Yusif Abdullahi Ata, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, has issued a cautionary statement directed at Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and 2023 presidential candidate for the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Ata urged Kwankwaso to avoid making remarks that could further polarize the nation or be seen as undermining judicial processes, especially concerning the ongoing legal issues surrounding the Kano Emirate Council.
The minister’s caution follows Kwankwaso’s recent statements during a convocation at Skylight University, where Kwankwaso claimed that external influences from Lagos were attempting to interfere in Kano’s selection of an Emir. In his remarks, Kwankwaso expressed concern that Kano’s autonomy in choosing its Emir might be compromised, alleging, “Today, we can see very clearly there is a lot of effort from the Lagos axis to polarize this part of the country… Lagos wouldn’t allow us to choose our Emir.”
Ata emphasized that the matter involving the Kano Emirate is still in court, reminding Kwankwaso and other leaders of their responsibility to act with caution. He stressed that such remarks risk further dividing the public and could be seen as an affront to the judiciary. “It’s imperative for leaders to uphold unity and avoid creating unnecessary discord or uncertainties among the people,” Ata remarked. He reiterated that public figures should exercise restraint and prioritize national cohesion over statements that could sow division.
