A coalition of civil society organizations in Kano State, known as the Save Kano Coalition, has called upon the United States and other members of the international community to impose visa restrictions on Governor Abba Yusuf and his cabinet members, on Monday.
The coalition claims that the governor’s actions in the ongoing Kano Emirate crisis have created divisions among the citizens of the state.
Recently, the Kano State House of Assembly repealed the State Emirate Council Law of 2019, effectively dissolving the five emirates within the state.
Following this repeal, Governor Yusuf signed the bill and dismissed five Emirs, including Ado Bayero, who had been appointed as the Emir of Kano by the former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.
Subsequently, Governor Yusuf reinstated Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, who had been dethroned as the Emir of Kano in 2020.
This series of events has ignited controversy throughout Kano State, leading to conflicting court orders.
The Save Kano Coalition has voiced its concerns regarding the security situation in the state, warning that the emirate tussle has led to chaos, which could potentially result in a breakdown of law and order.
They fear that the crisis might escalate into an open confrontation between the governor’s supporters and law enforcement agencies, who have refused to evict Bayero from the palace.
In a petition dated June 28, 2024, and signed by its convener, Aminu Abdullah, the coalition appealed to the United States ambassador to impose sanctions on Governor Yusuf.
The coalition stated, “We call for stringent sanctions against the Abba Yusuf-led government in Kano State until he ceases to disobey court orders and stops all anti-democratic practices.
“We also demand that a travel ban and visa restrictions be placed on the governor and top members of his cabinet. “
Furthermore, “we urge that the Kano government be blacklisted from receiving grants and partnerships from international organizations and donor agencies, as their interests can no longer be guaranteed in the volatile environment created by the government’s actions.”
The coalition’s petition underscores the gravity of the situation in Kano State, reflecting deep-seated concerns about governance, legality, and the potential for escalating conflict.
The Save Kano Coalition’s call for international intervention highlights the severity of the crisis and the need for urgent resolution to prevent further destabilization in the region.
