Kano govt clears controversies over Hawan Nasarawa procession

The Kano State Government has cleared the air about the controversies generated over the expected visit of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, to the government house during the traditional Hawan Nasarawa durbar which held on Monday.

The long-standing tradition of Hawan Nasarawa is celebrated two days after every Sallah, where the emir pays homage to the governor in the government house and also visits the emir’s house located on State Road.

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However, this year, the emir visited only his Nasarawa residence and returned to his palace without visiting the government house, which is against the tradition that has existed for over 100 years.

The incident led to many people circulating rumours that the emir was not aware that the governor was not in town until arrival at the government house, a report the government has debunked.

Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday, the aide to the governor on emirates matters, Tijjani Mailafiya Sanka, said the emir was properly notified that Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was not in town. He said since the governor’s absence could not stop the traditional practice, the durbar had to go ahead with some modification to the itinerary.

He said the governor got an emergency call from Abuja on Sunday evening and would be away for four days while the deputy governor was in Saudi Arabia performing Hajj.

Sanka said, “As the tradition is, no any particular person below the governor or deputy governor can host the emir in the government house for Hawan Nasarawa. So, that is why the governor formally notified the emir about the emergency assignment he went for and also directed for the Hawan Nasarawa durbar to go on.

“There were times in history when some of the emirs were appointed as Amirul Hajj to lead the Hajj exercise. In those periods, the durbar could not even hold at all.

“I want to assure the general public that the relationship between Kano government and the five emirates of the state is cordial. The governor and the emir were together during Eid prayers on Saturday, the governor also led his delegation on Sunday to the emir’s palace for Hawan Daushe durbar.”