Former Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, has dismissed his removal as Wazirin Gaya by the Gaya Emirate Council as “an action in futility” and lacking legal merit.
His response comes days after the Council, backed by the Kano State Government, announced the revocation of his traditional title, following his public criticism of the government over the alleged mismanagement of a $600 million foreign loan.
In a statement issued by Ibrahim Dan’azumi Gwarzo on behalf of the APC Patriotic Volunteers, a group founded by Usman Alhaji the former SSG described the withdrawal as politically driven and in violation of due process. He argued that proper procedures were not followed, including failure to issue a query or provide him a chance to defend himself, as required under emirate law.
The statement also questioned why Alhaji was singled out, despite other titleholders also lacking approval for reinstatement following the emirates’ restructuring.
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Citing the law that dissolved the additional emirates of Gaya, Rano, Karaye, and Bichi during the last administration, the group argued that Alhaji’s title had already lapsed when Gaya was downgraded from first-class status. It added that although the emir requested the return of some former titleholders after the restoration of the emirates, the government allegedly denied Alhaji’s reinstatement for political reasons.
Despite the withdrawal, the group asserted that Alhaji would continue to be addressed as Wazirin Gaya in recognition of his past service.
“No amount of political persecution can erase the legacy of Alhaji Usman Alhaji,” the statement said, adding that they await the final verdict from the Supreme Court on the emirates’ legal status.
