The New Experience Newspapers Online News Indepth, Analysis and More
Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, adduced reasons for the removal of Muhammad Sanusi II as Emir of Kano.
In a statement he signed and issued, he said all members of the state executive council agreed to remove Sanisu for the following reasons:
Disobedience:
The state government claimed that Sanusi disobeyed orders of the governor and other government agencies, including failure to attend meetings convened by the government without explanations. Alhaji said it was clear that Sanusi II has failed to comply with section 13 (a-e) of the Kano State Government Act of 2019 and if left to continue, would disgrace him.
Disgracing the integrity of Kano:
The statement added that Sanusi’s crown was taken to protect the cultural and religious values of the Kano Empire, built thousands of years ago.
Government Policy Issues:
Political commentator and a lecturer in the College of Admissions in Kano, Kabiru Safi Sufi, told the BBC that the main reason for Sanusi’s dethronement was his criticism of government’s policies. Ganduje said he had criticized the state government’s borrowing from China to build a railway line in Kano.
As an economist, the Emir of Kano said the borrowing would not benefit Kano in any way, comments that had enraged the state government, leading to soured relationship between Sanusi and Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
The incident led to his attempt to remove the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from office after launching an investigation into alleged money laundering against Sanusi.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has made attempts to reconcile the Kano governor and the Emir all to no avail.
“The Kano State Executive Council under the Chairmanship of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR has unanimously approved the immediate removal and dethronement of the Emir of Kano Emirate Muhammad Sunusi II.
“The Emir is in total disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the 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.
“It is on record and in so many instances Maiam Muhammad Sunusi II hasbeenfound 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.
“Governor Ganduje calls on the general public to remain calm, law abiding and to go about their normal businesses. While a new Emir of Kano Emirate will soon be appointed,” the statement reads.
