The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Ata, has strongly condemned the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, for what he termed an act of gross disrespect towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement released by his media aide, Seyi Olorunsola, the minister criticized Gwarzo over comments made regarding the ongoing emirship tussle in Kano State.
The deputy governor had allegedly challenged President Tinubu to personally remove the emir he had enthroned, claiming that the president had metaphorically “kept him in a graveyard.”
Describing the remark as “inflammatory and reckless,” Ata insisted that such utterances were unbecoming of a high-ranking state official.
“The Deputy Governor’s audacity in publicly addressing the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in such an uncouth and disrespectful manner is unacceptable, disgraceful, and an affront to the dignity of the nation’s highest office,” Ata stated.
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The minister further accused the Kano State Government, through its deputy governor, of displaying “a penchant for lawlessness and blatant disregard for democratic institutions.”
He argued that such statements indicate a lack of understanding of governance, federalism, and democratic engagement.
Ata reminded the Kano State Government that the emirship dispute is currently a matter of litigation, making it sub judice.
He expressed concern that despite ongoing legal proceedings, the Kano State Government and its officials persist in making “incendiary and contemptuous statements,” which, according to him, aim to exert undue pressure on the judiciary and undermine the rule of law.
“This pattern of conduct amounts to sheer political rascality and a complete lack of respect for democratic norms and due process,” the minister asserted.
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Consequently, Ata issued an ultimatum to the deputy governor and the Kano State Government, demanding a retraction of the “inflammatory” remarks within 72 hours from Saturday.
He also called for a formal apology to President Tinubu for what he described as a “reckless outburst.”
“Failure to comply with this demand will leave critical stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) with no choice but to seek redress through all available legal and political avenues,” Ata warned.
He further stressed the importance of upholding the dignity of the presidency, cautioning that no government, regardless of its stance, has the right to dictate terms to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
He advised the Kano State Government to follow constitutional and legal channels if it has any grievances concerning the emirship matter.