Buba Galadima, a prominent figure within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has levelled serious accusations against unnamed individuals, alleging a meticulously orchestrated plot to destabilize Kano State and create a pretext for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency. Galadima contends that this scheme was devised and implemented without the knowledge or consent of President Bola Tinubu. He portrays the President as being unaware of the machinations unfolding beneath the surface, asserting with conviction that Tinubu was kept in the dark regarding the alleged conspiracy.
Central to Galadima’s claims is the assertion of a high-level meeting held in Abuja, the nation’s capital, where the alleged plot was strategized. He further alleges that a key individual, purportedly earmarked to replace the current Emir of Kano, was deliberately sent out of the country on a religious pilgrimage (Umrah) to Saudi Arabia during this crucial period. This strategic maneuver, according to Galadima, was intended to facilitate a seamless transition of power once the incumbent Emir was removed. He paints a picture of a carefully orchestrated sequence of events designed to culminate in the Emir’s detention in Abuja, the deployment of the military, and the subsequent declaration of the Emir’s throne as vacant.
Galadima’s narrative places the current Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, at the heart of this alleged power play. He suggests that the Emir was targeted as part of a larger scheme to destabilize Kano State. He links the invitation sent to the Emir by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to appear at the force headquarters in Abuja to this alleged plot. The invitation, which was later withdrawn, pertained to alleged killings during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, a sensitive issue that could potentially further inflame tensions within the state.
Galadima, however, refrained from explicitly naming the individual allegedly positioned to replace the Emir, despite being pressed by the interviewer. He instead cryptically suggested that the identity of the individual could be ascertained by identifying which of the Kano princes was currently in Saudi Arabia. This veiled reference adds a layer of intrigue to the allegations, fueling speculation and further emphasizing the alleged clandestine nature of the purported plot.
The Emir of Kano holds significant political and cultural influence, and any attempt to remove him could potentially trigger widespread unrest. Kano State, being a major political and economic hub in northern Nigeria, is particularly vulnerable to such instability. A state of emergency, if declared, would grant the Federal Government extensive powers, effectively sidelining the elected state government. This raises concerns about the potential for political manipulation and the erosion of democratic processes.
Galadima’s allegations, if substantiated, paint a disturbing picture of political intrigue and power struggles playing out behind the scenes. The alleged plot, with its intricate details and strategic maneuvers, highlights the fragility of political stability in Nigeria and the potential for manipulation of sensitive issues for political gain. His claims underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in governance and the need for independent investigations into such serious allegations to ensure the integrity of democratic institutions.
