Kano residents on Sunday lauded the peaceful atmosphere that greeted the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir in the town despite the ongoing emirate crisis.
This was as the police command expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and orderly manner the Sallah prayers across the state were conducted.
The state Commissioner of Police, Hussaini Gumel, who had just been promoted to Assistant Inspector-General, lauded the residents for their orderly conduct at various prayer grounds, both within and outside the Kano metropolis.
According to reports from all the 44 local government areas, the festivities were celebrated in a peaceful atmosphere, devoid of rancour.
There had been palpable fears that skirmishes might mar the Sallah celebrations, especially given the lingering emirship tussle in the state.
The state police command, on Thursday, banned the Kano Durbar, following a clash of orders over the celebration.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi and the deposed Emir Ado Bayero had asked the police for security during the celebration of the Durbar after the Eid-el-Kabir, a decision the police command viewed might lead to anarchy.
There had been a royal crisis in the ancient city following the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano, after the state House of Assembly repealed the Kano Emirate Law 2019 and enacted the Kano Emirate Law 2024 on May 23, 2024.
Governor Abba Yusuf, while signing the new bill into law on May 24, 2024, announced the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi, and had since recognised his authority on the emirate, while he sacked the rulers of five emirates – Kano, Bichi, Karaye, Gaya and Rano – earlier formed by ex-Governor Umar Ganduje.
Following the order banning the Durbar and that contending emirs should pray at different mosques, Bayero was at the Nassarawa Mosque while Sanusi prayed at Sheikh Tijjani Mosque at Kofar Mata, Kano.
The PUNCH observed that the governor and some dignitaries in the town joined Sanusi for the prayers.
Sanusi, during his sermon after leading the Eid prayers, stressed the importance of following Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, which emphasised helping the needy, especially during Eid-al-Adha celebrations.
The residents were happy the celebration was incident-free in the town.
Alhaji Mohammad Abubakar from Tauroni Local Government praised the peaceful conduct of the prayers and commended the police and security agencies for ensuring the sustenance of a peaceful atmosphere.
Alhaji Isa Musa from the Charanchi area, however, called for continued security presence beyond the Sallah celebrations.
Alhaji Kabiru Danlami from Dorayi quarters urged residents to support efforts by the security agents by providing information on suspicious individuals, to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Meanwhile, a group, the Arewa Youth Advancement Forum, in a felicitation message to Bayero on Sunday, urged him to forgive his enemies.
In a statement issued by its President, Nuhu Magaji, it saluted the monarch’s commitment to the progress and development of the state, even in the face of adversity and commended him for his unwavering dedication to the peace and progress of the state.
“As the Muslim Ummah celebrates the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha, the Arewa Youth Advancement Forum wishes to extend its warmest felicitations to His Highness, Emir Ado Bayero.
“Despite the recent unfortunate events, we stand in solidarity with Emir Bayero, a symbol of peace, progress, and stability. His wise leadership and vision have been a shining example to our generation.
“Emir Bayero’s dedication to the emirate and the state is unwavering, and his legacy continues to inspire us. We recognise his tireless efforts to promote unity, understanding, and progress in Kano and beyond. His door has always been open to the people, offering guidance and support in times of need,” the statement noted.
It called on Kano residents to remain peaceful and united, working together for the greater good of the state.