Police withdrawn from emir’s palace

Police officers have been withdrawn from the palace of the emir of Kano, TheCable has learnt.

The heavy security presence since Sunday is believed to have prevented the new emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, from taking over the palace after his appointment by the Kano State government.

With the withdrawal of policemen on Thursday night, Sanusi can now go to palace to be received by the palace guards and officials, according to the emirate’s customs.

TheCable also learnt that the official car that the new emir will use has been made available by the state government.

On Friday, Sanusi is expected to lead the 7 days fidau for Alhaji Ado Bayero, his predecessor who died on Friday, June 6, after spending 50 years on the throne.

He will also lead the Jumaat prayers at the government house.

Reports that President Goodluck Jonathan has called to congratulate Sanusi could not be confirmed by TheCable.

Sanusi’s appointment was met with protests by some youths who were rooting for Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero, first son of the late emir.

The protests were declared to be politically motivated by supporters of Sanusi, especially with the series of events including the grounding at the Kano airport of a chartered flight conveying chieftains of the leading opposition party.

The heavy security presence was reportedly to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

There were unconfirmed rumours on Tuesday night that Jonathan had ordered the arrest of Sanusi for “fraud” at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

PHOTO CREDIT: IRENE BECKER