Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has said his administration reinstated Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II as 16th Emir of Kano due to his sterling leadership qualities. He explained that Sanusi was found worthy to occupy the palace of the Dabon dynasty, considering his vast knowledge of Islamic rites and better understanding of modern-day realities.
The governor remarked yesterday when he received the emir and his entourage on traditional Hauwa Nasarawa homage at Government House. He said: “Today (yesterday), we have an Emir that is worthy of being on the throne, one of the finest in terms of religious knowledge and propagation of the Islamic teachings.
“Since he came, he has been leading us in prayers, unlike many Emirs. When we look at the formal education, he has all it takes to be everywhere. An emir who loves his people.”
Earlier, Sanusi commended the government and the House of Assembly for reinstating him. While applauding the state’s giant strides in human development, the monarch urged council chairmen to do more towards better living conditions at the grassroots.
Meanwhile, the monarch adopted the 1903 traditional Hauwa Nasarawa homage. In compliance with the prohibition of Sallah Durbar to avoid security breach, the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor abandoned the horse ride procession and drove in motorcade to Government House.
Sanusi also diverted his movement from the normal routes to Government House, strategically to avoid possible clash of interest. A Professor of History at Bayero University, Kano, Tijjani Naniya, explained that before 1940, the Emir, as head of Native Authority, only visited the residence and returned to his palace.
On the security restriction, the don revealed that the police banned “Procession of Horses” in any form. He added that the emir, in compliance with the directive, restricted all horse rides and came to Government House with vehicles to pay homage to the governor.
