Tension in Kano as govt allegedly mobilises to demolish Ado Bayero’s palace
By Emma Ogbuehi
Palpable tension has enveloped the beleaguered city of Kano as the state government seems determined to carry out its earlier threat of demolishing the Nasarawa mini-palace, which has been the official residence of embattled Emir Ado Bayero since his deposition as the 15th Emir and eventual return to the ancient city.
Recall that TheNiche had earlier reported that the Kano State government, on Thursday, ordered the demolition of a section of the palace, on the excuse that it wanted to renovate the building.
Speaking on the demolition order, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi, said it would give room for the renovation of the palace.
READ ALSO: Kano govt orders demolition of Ado-Bayero’s palace after court reinstated emir
According to him, the state government had concluded arrangements for the general reconstruction and renovation of the palace, including demolishing “dilapidated walls”.
He further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state had been directed to remove Bayero from the Nasarawa GRA mini palace.
Addressing a press conference, Dederi said the government had “concluded arrangements for the general reconstruction and renovation of the property including the demolishing and reconstruction of the dilapidated wall fence with immediate effect.”
On Friday, there was heavy security presence around the Nasarawa Palace as security personnel blocked all entrances to the palace which is owned by the Kano State Government.
The security cordon, TheNiche gathered, was to prevent thugs from interfering with the planned demolition.
To further amplify the state government’s determination to carry out its demolition threat, a bulldozer and excavator were seen heading to the besieged palace in a trending video.
TheNiche, however, is yet to independently confirm the authenticity of the video and its final destination.
The Federal High Court in Kano had on Thursday nullified the removal of Emir Bayero and others by the State Government.
However, the Kano State Government is insisting that Sanusi Muhammad II remains the authentic Emir of Kano.
Meanwhile, there is tension in the city with fears of possible violence erupting if the crisis is not handled maturely.