Kano emirate controversy: Northern group calls for Emir Sanusi's resignation

The controversy involving the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi seems unending

- The Northern Coalition for Democracy and Progress (NADP) has called on the Emir of Kano to resign

- The group stated that Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has a controversial history that is laced with scandals

Delegates of the Northern Coalition for Democracy and Progress (NADP) on Thursday, May 23, called for the resignation of Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

The decision was taken after NADP delegates came from the 18 out of the 19 states that make up the north-west, north-east and north-central states met in Abuja.

Two issues that were prominent on the agenda of the delegates are the issues of persistent insecurity in several states and the Emirate controversy in Kano state.

In a communique signed by the national coordinator Dr. Abba Gwarzo, the group called on the federal government to set up a special security squad drawn from all security agencies to parade all the states where killings and kidnapping have been persistent including Zamfara, Kaduna and Benue states.

On the installation of four new emirs in Kano state, the group commended the Kano state governor, Dr. Abdulahi Umar Ganduje for his courage to lead the reform that will bring development closer to the people.

Reacting to the governor's installation of four new first-class Emirs of Bichi, Rano, Karaye and Gaya following a new law passed by the state House of Assembly, the coalition traced the history of the class struggle between the talakawas and the aristocrats through the 1950 Sawaba declaration and described the development in Kano state as a path towards ending the oppression of the talakawas by the privileged aristocracy.

The group observed that the new restructuring and decentralization policy will foster social cohesion and prevent unnecessary conflict in the state.

The group called on all progressive elements in the northern region to unite in solidarity with what they described as a pro-people policy and condemned the alleged moves the Emir of Kano to fan embers of conflict and stoke needless fires that can lead to a breakdown of law and order.

The coalition observed that Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has a controversial history that is laced with scandals unworthy of an occupant of such an exalted and respected office.

Such scandals, they insist, have become a great source of worry especially among the Ulamas (scholars) as the Emir is supposed to lead prayers during important religious festivals.

It was recently reported that the state anti-corruption agency invited officials of the Emirate to offer some explanations about spending in the Emirate between 2013 and 2019. Many delegates spoke on the need for the Emir of Kano to consider resigning voluntarily to save his throne from ridicule.

Furthermore, the coalition frowned on the unguarded public utterances from Emir Sanusi, stating that it has continued to cast an image of partisanship that has affected the expected neutrality of traditional institutions.

The coalition appealed to the residents of Kano state to remain calm and go about their normal businesses with civility, respect of constituted authority without allowing themselves to be used as tools in the hands of disgruntled political entrepreneurs and unpatriotic elements who are determined to foment trouble.

Meanwhile, Abba Yusuf, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kano state, has promised to reverse the law establishing four additional emirates in the state by Governor Ganduje.

While condemning Ganduje’s alleged plot to whittle down Emir Sanusi’s power, Abba-Yusuf, described the move to create additional liabilities as a means to embezzle public treasury.

The PDP governorship candidate said he would reverse law establishing four emirates when he secures his ‘stolen’ mandate at the election petition tribunal.