President Muhammadu Buhari has indicated that there is little he can do to intervene in the face-off between the governor of Kano State, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje and the emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II.
The President, who today, February 7, received in audience at the presidential villa, Governor Ganduje and newly elected legislators on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from Kano State, said: “I know my role as the President of Nigeria.
“By the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Governor of Kano State has his own roles. Once a matter is in the hands of the House of Assembly (like in Kano), the President has no constitutional right to interfere.
“I am here by the constitution (provisions): I swore by it, and I am going to stand by it.
“But let me tell you the bottom-line of my understanding of the constitutional role is that peace and security of all Nigerians must be guaranteed. Where the people are threatened, then I will use constitutional powers.”
Buhari emphasized that despite the separation of powers between the Federal Government and the states, he has enough grounds in the constitution to ensure that the security of Nigerians is not compromised.
The President turned to the elected party members and advised them to live up to the promises they made to their constituents to justify the confidence reposed in them.
“I hope you are mindful of your promises to your constituencies. You went round and you promised your constituencies. I hope the promises you made are within the resources of your State. If you made promises outside your resources, it will be your problem because you are going to stand again in four years’ time. This is very important and it is important for our party.”
