Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has appealed to residents of Kano to be law-abiding and avoid acts that could provoke unrest in the city, even as he cursed those opposing his reinstallation as emir, saying fire would consume those trying to set the city ablaze.

In a voice statement in Hausa posted on Facebook by Premier Radio in Kano yesterday, Sanusi said those challenging his emirship were challenging the will of God and would not end well.

“We are calling on the people to be law-abiding citizens. This war (emirate tussle) is not targeted at me; they are fighting what God has destined to happen. God doesn’t need anyone’s support. I am pleading with you to be patient and prayerful. God will continue to support those, who are fair and just.

“Fire will consume anyone who is planning to set fire in Kano. May he never witness peace in his life. May Allah protect our country and our lives. Insha’Allah, whoever is challenging God’s decision will not end well,” Sanusi stated.

His statement may be connected to the rising tension following Governor Abba Yusuf’s directive on Tuesday to the state’s emirate councils to commence preparations for the Sallah durbar procession.

MEANWHILE, renowned human rights advocate and legal expert, Chidi Odinkalu, has raised the alarm over the forthcoming ruling by the Court of Appeal, which, he claims, could have far-reaching consequences for the political and legal landscape in Kano State.

Taking to his official X account (@ChidiOdinkalu), Odinkalu revealed that credible sources within the judiciary had informed him of a plan to issue an injunction next Tuesday.

This ruling, he alleged, would mandate the controversial Durbar festival proposed by the Chancellor of the University of Calabar (Unical) to proceed, while barring Kano State authorities from intervening.

Odinkalu expressed grave concerns over the potential fallout from such a decision, warning that it could destabilise the state.

According to the human rights advocate, this development follows a contentious ruling last week in which a panel of junior justices at the Court of Appeal overturned an earlier decision in favour of a key figure in the ongoing legal battle.

He pointed out that one of the justices on the panel was the spouse of a party involved in the case, casting doubt on the impartiality of the process.

He suggested that the latest move appeared to be a reward for the individual at the heart of the controversy, further fueling tensions.

Odinkalu urged the public to remain vigilant, noting that updates would soon follow.

His remarks came amid growing attention to the escalating dispute, which had captured national interest and could have serious implications for peace and governance in Kano State. (The Guardian)