KANO BOILS AS SANUSI EMERGES AS EMIR.

KANO — Violent protests, yesterday, greeted the announcement
of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi
Lamido Sanusi, as the 14th Emir of Kano. The throne became
vacant last week Friday following the death of the former Emir,
Alhaji Ado Bayero.
Making the announcement, the Secretary to the Kano State
Government, Rabiu Zakariya, said: “I have the honour to
announce that after a careful study of the Kingmakers’ selection
and advice, we have chosen the former CBN Governor, and the
Dan’Majen Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new Emir of
Kano”.
The Secretary to the state Government was flanked by the four
Kano kingmakers that included the Sarkin Bai, Sarki Dawaki
Mai’Tuta, the Madakin Kano and Makaman Kano.
The new emir, Alhaji Sanisu Lamido Sanusi defeated the trio of
his uncle, and senior counsellor of the Kano Emirate council,
Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the late emir’s eldest son, and Chiroma
Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero, and Alhaji Tijjani
Hashim for the exalted stool.
Violent protest trails Sanusi’s appointment as Emir
Reacting to the emergence of the former CBN governor as the
new Emir of Kano few minutes after his name was announced,
hundreds of irate youths, yesterday, took over major streets in
the ancient city protesting Sanusi’s choice. The Protesters who
carried tree branches, sticks and some dangerous weapons,
chanted war songs demanding a reversal of Sanusi’s choice.
The protesters were shouting “ Bamaso Bamaso” which means
“we don’t want” around the emir’s palace and environs as
motorists scampered for safety during the ensuing
pandemonium.
It was learnt that the protests started at the emir’s palace by
people suspected to be sympathetic to late Bayero’s son who
were already celebrating a rumoured appointment of the
Chiroman Kano.
The youths made bonfire along major highways and on major
streets. The protest later spread to Fagge area of the metropolis
as well as quarters like Kuramawa, Soron Dinki, Kofar
Nassarawa, Gwale and Chrianchi.
However, a combined team of soldiers and policemen chased
away the protesters from major streets, while Sanusi Lamido
Sanusi’s residence was heavily guarded, while troops have
been deployed to guard government buildings in the city.
Commenting on the development, the Police image maker in the
city, Mahaji Musa Majia told Vanguard that ‘“we have security
challenges, but I can assure you that we are on top of the
situation”.
Fashola, Amosun hail new Emir
Meanwhile, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State,
yesterday, said that the emergence of Mallam Sanusi as the new
Emir of Kano, would further cement the bond between the people
of Kano and other citizens of the country.
Fashola in a congratulatory message signed by his Special
Adviser on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello, wished Sanusi long and
fruitful reign as he assumed office as the 14th Emir.
The governor said that the election was a deserving feat for the
former CBN helmsman.
According to Fashola, “the new Emir’s tenure as CBN Governor
officially ended two days before the former Emir, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado
Bayero passed on after 50 years on the throne.
“His assumption of the throne is, in a way, “keeping a date with
destiny” because he has, for a long time, wished it as his next
assignment after leaving the CBN job.
Fashola said: “I hoped that his emergence would further cement
the long standing bond between the people of Kano and their
brothers and sisters in Lagos and across the country with
whom, they have been living in peace and harmonious
relationship.”
Fashola noted that Sanusi endeared himself to the Nigerian
public for his brilliance, courage, professionalism and tact
during his tenure as the CBN governor.
He stated that his tenure as CBN governor was very eventful and
quite useful to moving the country forward.
Praying that the reign of the new Emir would bring lasting peace
and progress to the country, the Governor wished him long life
and congratulated the people of the ancient City, the Governor
and the government of Kano and Nigerians generally for making
the right choice.
Also, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has
congratulated the new Emir of Kano. Amosun, hailed the choice
of the banker and erstwhile governor of the CBN, who he said
would bring his wealth of experience to bear in the appointment.
In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media,
Mrs Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun urged the Emir-Elect to
follow in the footsteps of his predecessor by bringing further
development to the Emirate and the State as a whole.
“As an accomplished technocrat, I believe the new Emir will use
his influence to foster peace and attract more development to
the emirate and indeed the State,” the governor said.
He expressed happiness at the choice of the new Emir and
prayed Almighty Allah to grant him the wisdom and
understanding to discharge the functions of the exalted and
revered office.
Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed also congratulated
the new Emir of Kano
Governor Ahmed in a congratulatory message said the
emergence of the former Governor of the CBN as the new Emir of
Kano was a positive development for the traditional institution
in Nigeria.
Governor Ahmed was optimistic that the new Emir will bring his
wealth of experience to bear in sustaining the eminence of Kano
in Commerce and other sectors in Nigeria and West Africa.
He prayed Allah to give the new Emir long life and good health
in his new position.