The Kano State Government has said the absence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, at this year’s Hawan Nasarawa was due to a clash in official engagements and not a deliberate snub of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
In a statement issued on Monday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, described reports alleging direct snubbing of the Emir circulating online as false and misleading, insisting that the governor’s absence was unavoidable.
“The Government wishes to state unequivocally that the claim is false, unfounded, and devoid of any factual basis. The report is therefore misleading and appears to have been deliberately concocted to misinform the public and create unnecessary tension,” the statement said.
The government explained that the Hawan Nasarawa coincided with another official engagement involving governors, which made it impossible for the Kano State governor to be present.
“This year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration of the Hawan Nasarawa coincided with the annual strategic meeting of Nigerian governors, leading to a scheduling overlap that necessitated the governor’s presence outside the state,” the statement added.
According to the release, the governor had earlier informed the Emir of his absence and directed top government officials to receive the monarch on his behalf in line with established tradition.
“In line with established protocol, Governor Yusuf had communicated to His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and mandated the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, alongside other senior government officials, to receive the Emir on his behalf at the Government House,” the statement said.
The government also noted that the governor participated in other Sallah activities in the state before travelling for the official meeting.
“It is also noteworthy that His Excellency attended the Eid prayer led by the Emir of Kano, the Hawan Daushe at Gaya Emirate, and had made arrangements to personally receive the Emirs of Rano, Karaye, and Gaya. However, due to the unavoidable clash in schedules, senior government functionaries were delegated to represent him accordingly,” the statement added.
The Kano State Government stressed that there is no rift between the administration and the Kano Emirate Council, stating that their relationship “remains cordial, respectful, and anchored on mutual commitment to sustaining peace, unity, and development in Kano State.”
It urged the public to disregard the report and rely on official sources for accurate information.
