The Save Kano Coalition, a coalition of civil society organizations in Kano State, is urging the United States and the international community to impose visa restrictions on members of Governor Abba Yusuf's administration, citing their involvement in the ongoing Kano Emirate crisis.

SaharaReporters had reported how the Kano Assembly nullified the Emirates Council Law, resulting in the removal of all positions created under the previous law as outlined in the new legislation.

All positions created by the previous law are no longer valid, according to the new legislation. Additionally, all district leaders promoted or assigned under the previous law are required to return to their former roles.

The governor also reinstated former Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, as the Emir of Kano, thereby sacking Aminu Ado Bayero, who was installed by the previous administration of Abdullahi Ganduje in 2020.

However, Kano Coalition in a petition dated June 28, 2024, appealed to the United States ambassador to "order and deter the Abba Yusuf-led administration" from further undermining the institutions of democracy in the state.

The coalition also called for the Kano government to be blacklisted from grants and partnership by international organisations and development and or donor agencies until it “ceases to disobey court orders and bring a halt to all anti-democratic practices”.

The group warned that if urgent steps are not taken now, it could have "unimaginable consequences" for the peace, law, order, and socio-economic well-being of the state in the near future.

The coalition said in a statement signed by its Convener, Comr. Ibrahim Musa, "This has become necessary as the governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf and his Party, the NNPP have turned Kano into a banana republic and a laughing stock in the eyes of the outside world.

“The rule of law has become the biggest casualty as the governor who has already subjugated the legislative arm of government, now interpretes judgements of the Court to conform with his vicious, malicious and vindictive intentions.

"The Kano Emirate Council which the governor is working overtime to convert to an appendage of his political Party is a revered traditional institution with age-long values, culture, customs and traditions that is cherished, held in high esteem and guided jealously by subjects of the Emirate Council and outsiders alike.

"Today, the ancient city sits on edge as a result of the division and enmity which governor Yusuf and his godfather, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have imported into Kano politics. The disregard for due process in running the affairs of the state has become so alarming that we can no longer pretend that all is well with our dear State and if the American government and her international allies who are the custodians of democracy, civil and human rights decide to turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to happenings in the state.”

According to the statement, it's in only a matter of time before the time-bomb being planted in the state by Governor Yusuf explodes.

"A conflagration in Kano State will be a threat to the peace and stability of Nigeria and the whole of Africa and whatever can be done to pass this message to the government before it becomes too late must be done now,” it said.

The group alleged that the actions of Governor Yusuf are influenced by his godfather, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to target perceived political enemies.

It said, “With the governor's penchant for disobeying the orders of the court, the people are already being tempted to resort to self-help and take the law into their own hands.

"This could also lead to open confrontation between over overzealous supporters of the governor and his party on the one hand, and the law enforcement agencies on the other hand as their neutrality is being seen as working against the interest of the ruling government in the state to be

"We call for stringent sanctions against the governor Abba Yusuf-led government in Kano State until he ceases to disobey court orders and bring a halt to all anti-democratic practices. We equally demand that travel ban and visa restrictions be placed on the governor and top members of his cabinet.”

"We call for the Kano government to be blacklisted from grants and partnership by international organisations and development and or donor agencies whose interests can no longer be guaranteed in the volatile environment which the government has created with their own hands," the statement added.