LIVE UPDATES
KANO, Nigeria - Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has stated that his government reinstated Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano because of his outstanding leadership qualities.
He noted that Sanusi was deemed suitable to occupy the palace of the Dabon dynasty, given his extensive knowledge of Islamic practices and his understanding of contemporary issues.
The governor made these comments on Tuesday during a visit from the emir and his entourage who came to pay the traditional Hauwa Nasarawa homage at Government House.
He remarked, “Today, we have an Emir who is deserving of the throne, one of the best in terms of religious knowledge and the propagation of Islamic teachings. Since his arrival, he has been guiding us in prayers, unlike many previous Emirs. Considering his formal education, he has all the necessary qualifications. An emir who cares for his people.”
Earlier, Sanusi expressed gratitude to the government and the House of Assembly for his reinstatement.
He praised the state’s significant advancements in human development and encouraged local council chairmen to enhance living conditions at the grassroots level.
Additionally, the emir adhered to the 1903 traditional Hauwa Nasarawa homage but modified his approach. To comply with the ban on Sallah Durbar to prevent security issues, the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor opted for a motorcade instead of the customary horse procession for his journey to Government House.
He also altered his route to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. Tijjani Naniya, a Professor of History at Bayero University, Kano, explained that prior to 1940, the Emir, as the head of the Native Authority, would visit the residence and return straight to his palace.
Regarding the security restrictions, the academic noted that the police prohibited any form of “Procession of Horses.”
He added that the emir, in accordance with the directive, avoided all horse rides and instead traveled to Government House in vehicles to pay his respects to the governor.
