Tension in Kano as Police Barricade Emir Sanusi’s Palace
•Kano government condemns act, Sanusi calls for calm
Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
Armed security personnel including the State Security Service (SSS), yesterday barricaded all entrances leading to the palace of the Kano Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi 11.
According to reports, the move may not be unconnected with the appointment and installation of the new district head of Bichi, which happened to be among the five emirate councils scrapped by the Kano State government.
Also, at the Bichi town, which is about 30 kilometres from Kano, security forces also barricaded the entrance to the palace, where the new district head was expected to occupy.
Emir Sanusi was scheduled to effect the appointment of the new district head, who is the present Wambai of Kano, Alhaji Mannir Sanusi.
Emir Sanusi was also expected to accompany the newly-appointed district head to his new official district post in Bichi.
As at the time of filing this report, Emir Sanusi 11, had come out of the main palace and stationed himself in the company of his aides in front of the complex where he usually holds the traditional court session.
Sunusi and his aides came out of the palace amid pomp and pageantry, traditional gun salutes, and cheers from the mammoth crowd that gathered around.
Emir Sanusi urged the residents to remain calm, law-abiding and continue with their normal activities and refrain from spreading unverified information that could fuel unnecessary panic and tension.
The Emir warned residents of the state not to resort to violence in their response to what he described as ugly development.
Sanusi 11, who sounded the warning in his Juma’at sermon at the city Central Mosque, maintained that peaceful co-existence, no matter the provocation, is far better than violence.
“Islam has admonished you to be patient at any given time, whether in a difficult situation, or at peace, or you are attacked; with patience, one becomes great, but refusing to be patient creates uncertainty, difficulties and in the end, everyone loses.
“I warn you against falling into the traps of enemies of Kano who want to see Kano on fire.They always want to see killings, destruction of public property and maiming of innocent lives,” Sanusi said.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Government yesterday, condemned the sealing of the entrance to the Emir’s palace by armed security personnel.
In a statement issued by the state Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Halilu Dantiye, yesterday in Kano, the blockade of the Palace has raised serious concerns.
“The Kano State Government wishes to express its profound dismay and deep concern over the reported blockade of the entrance to the Kofar Kudu Palace of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, by heavily armed security operatives.
“This unfortunate development has raised tensions and caused distress among the residents of Kano and the surrounding communities.
“We strongly condemn any action that disrupts the peace or undermines the dignity of traditional institutions, which are central to the unity and cultural heritage of our people,” Dantiye said.
He said the state government is committed to the maintenance of peace, stability and the rule of law across the state.
According to him, the government is working to ascertain the reasons behind the incident and engage with the relevant authorities to ensure a swift and peaceful resolution.
