Kano Govt explains Governor Yusuf’s absence at Hawan Nasarawa, dismisses snub claims

The Kano State Government has dismissed claims circulating on some platforms that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf deliberately snubbed the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, during the traditional Hawan Nasarawa at the Government House in Kano.

In a statement issued on Monday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that the governor’s absence from the event was due to a clash with official engagements outside the state.

According to the statement, the government said the narrative suggesting that the governor intentionally avoided receiving the Emir during the annual Sallah homage was “unfounded and devoid of any factual basis,” adding that it appeared designed to misinform the public and create unnecessary tension.

Hawan Nasarawa is one of the major highlights of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Kano, during which the Emir traditionally rides from the palace to the Government House to pay homage to the state governor.

However, the government explained that this year’s event coincided with a scheduled strategic meeting of Nigerian governors, which required Governor Yusuf’s presence outside Kano.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is an established tradition for governors to pay homage to the President during the Sallah period. This year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration 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 said.

It added that the governor had duly informed the Emir of his engagement and mandated senior government officials, including the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, to receive the Emir at the Government House on his behalf.

The government further noted that the governor had earlier participated in other Sallah activities within the state, including the Eid prayer led by the Emir of Kano and the Hawan Daushe held in Gaya Emirate. He had also made arrangements to personally receive the emirs of Rano Emirate, Karaye Emirate, and Gaya as part of the traditional festivities.

Officials said that due to the unavoidable scheduling conflict, senior government functionaries were delegated to represent the governor during the Hawan Nasarawa ceremony.

At the time of the event, Governor Yusuf was reportedly in Lagos attending an official meeting alongside other governors.

The Kano State Government stressed that there is no rift between the state administration and the Kano Emirate Council, maintaining that the relationship between the government and the traditional institution remains cordial.

“The relationship remains respectful and anchored on a shared commitment to sustaining peace, unity and development in Kano State,” the statement added.

The government therefore urged members of the public to disregard what it described as false reports and rely on credible and official sources for accurate information.