…Buhari says: Count me out of Kano Emirate saga***
Dethroning former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi may have truly exposed his worth and engendered greater glory, as the Kaduna State Government Wednesday named Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Chancellor of the Kaduna State University (KASU).
The honour which is coming barely 24 hours after he was made the Vice Chairman of Kaduna State Investment and Promotion Agency (KADIPA), comes on the heel of explosive support of the South Western Nigerian youths, many of which pleaded that Sanusi should come back in 2023 as a Presidential flag bearer, under any party of his choice.
Already, a few have vowed to contribute to a fund to fight what they described as an ‘illegal dethroning’, even as a group already pledged N3million as a starter fund, for the legal battle.
The social media is also awashed with different versions of supports, for a man many belief would likely save the North from genders-gap and poverty; even as national newspaper publishes a story of an Islamic focused professor, who said the Northern elites sidelined the deposed Emir, because he campaigned against gender inequality, particularly the beating of women!
Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has already congratulated the deposed Emir, praying for divine strength to continue in his desired social activities.
In the meantime, the Kaduna State Government says the new appointment which is contained in a statement signed by Mr Muyiwa Adekeye, Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communication, on Wednesday in Kaduna, says Sanusi II succeeds the pioneer Chancellor, His Highness, Malam Tagwai Sambo, the Chief of Moro’a, who was appointed to the role in 2005.
“In public life, His Highness has demonstrated a strong commitment to education,’’ he said.
Adekeye further said that “Kaduna State Government has no doubt that as Chancellor, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi, would provide symbolic and substantive leadership in raising the profile of KASU as an emerging centre of learning on the national and global level’’, a statement which most Nigerian youth have hailed.
The Special Adviser pointed out that the “appointment of the new chancellor comes at an exciting moment for KASU which is transiting to a multi-campus structure with presence across the state.’’
The statement further said that Gov. El-Rufai has conveyed the profound appreciation of the government to HRH Malam Tagwai Sambo, for the long years of distinguished service to KASU and the state.
According to the statement, “Nasir El-Rufai welcomes with gratitude the consent of Muhammadu Sanusi to serve as Chancellor of KASU and as Vice-Chairman of the board of KADIPA.
Also read: Gov. El-Rufai appoints deposed Kano Emir into KADIPA board
“The Kaduna State Government is grateful that Muhammadu Sanusi II continues to support and assist the realisation of the governance objectives of the Kaduna State Government,’’ it added.
The Kano State Government had on Tuesday, March 9, dethroned Sanusi for alleged “outright disregard for the state government and Kano Emirate’s traditional norms.” If the gesture was meant to dent Sanusi’s shinning armour, the direct opposite may have actually been achieved.
In the meantime, President Muhammadu Buhari has indicated that he has no involvement whatsoever in the dethronement of Muhammadu Sanusi II from the position of Emir of Kano.
According to Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, all such insinuations should therefore be seen as untrue, malicious and politically motivated.
He said: ”The President does not have a history of intervening in the affairs of any state in the country, unless the issue at hand is of national consequence.
”On such matters which impinge on national security, he has a duty of involvement as the law stipulates.”
According to Shehu, as outlined in the Constitution, the appointment or removal of emirs and other traditional leaders is strictly within the jurisdiction of state governments.
He, therefore, stated that it was unfair and disingenuous of opposition politicians to try to link the situation in Kano State to the federal government and the Nigerian President.
”Although a retired General and former Military Head of State, President Buhari clearly understands that under the current democratic dispensation, the government at the centre cannot read instructions or twist the arms of all or any of the 36 state governments making up the federation.
”They all have their powers specified under the Constitution.”
Shehu however quoted the president to have commended the people of Kano for keeping calm in the past few days of the dethronement announcement.
”He prays that the will of Allah will be done at all times, and that the emirate/state and its people continue to experience progress irrespective of who is on the throne.”
