Emir Sanusi Visits El-rufai in First Outing Within Nigeria After Dethronement
AREWA AGENDA – Former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II has today visited Governor Nasir El-rufai in Kaduna State, being his first outing within Nigeria after relocating to Lagos, following his dethronement as King.
Sanusi had earlier in the month departed Nigeria for Senegal to attend the fidau prayer of Grand Khalifa of Tijjaniyya Islamic Movement in Africa, Khalifa Shiekh Ahmed Tijani Nyass in Kaolaq, Senegal.
While receiving the former Emir, Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai warmly welcomed HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II, and thanked him for making Kaduna the first place he is visiting since relocating to Lagos in March.
Responding, HRH Sanusi II told Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai that he is grateful to have him as friend he can always count on.
He thanked the governor for standing by him and assured that he will do his best as Vice Chairman of the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) and Chancellor of the Kaduna State University, KASU.
Recall that the Kano State Government had in March dethroned the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi.
Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, said Sanusi II was dethroned because he disrespects the state government, refuses to attend official meetings and displays utter disdain for constituted authority.
Ganduje and Sanusi have been on a warpath for quite a while over perceived political differences, and their relationship had become increasingly strained for months on end.
In August of 2019, Ganduje split the Kano Emirates into four–Rano, Gaya, Karaye and Bichi–ostensibly to whittle Sanusi’s powers and influence.
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In a statement signed by Alhaji Usman Alhaji, Secretary to the Kano state government, Ganduje says “the Kano State Executive Council under the Chairmanship of his Excellency the Governor of Kano State Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje OFR, has unanimously approved the immediate removal/dethronement of the Emir of Kano Emirate Muhammad Sunusi II.
“The Emir of Kano is in total disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the state governor and other lawful authorities, including his persistent refusal to attend official meetings and programmes organised by the government without any lawful justification which amount to total insubordination.”
The decision to kick out Sanusi from the throne was arrived at to save the Emirate from destruction, the governor says. “It is on record that in so many instances, Malam Muhammad Sunusi II has been found breaching part 3 section 13(a-e) of the Kano State Emirate Law 2019 and which if left unchecked will destroy the good and established image of the Kano Emirate.
“This removal is made after due consultation with the relevant stakeholders and in compliance with Part 3, Section 13 of the Kano State Emirate Law 2019 and other reasons stated above.
“The removal was reached in order to safeguard the sanctity, culture, tradition, religion and prestige of the Kano Emirate built over a thousand years.” the state government said.
In a swift reaction, Governor Nasir El-Rufai had appointed Sanusi as the Vice Chairman of the state’s Investment Board as well as Chancellor of the State University, barely 72 hours after his dethronement as Emir of Kano.
El-Rufai, while fielding questions from newsmen after visiting the Emir in Awe, Nasarawa State where he was initially banished to, explained that the Emir is a global asset that could turn around the economic fortunes of Kaduna state.
The governor said the former first-class traditional ruler had been his confidant since their teens and that his visit to Awe was to encourage Sanusi in his moments of travail.
Barely hours after his visit, Sanusi was granted freedom by the court and he relocated to Lagos where he has been based ever since.
Arewa Agenda is a Publication of young writers from Northern Nigeria towards Peaceful Coexistence and National Development through Positive narratives.
