Choice of Sanusi as emir not political, Kwankwaso insists

The appointment of Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as the 14th Fulani emir of Kano State was more of merit than politics, governor of the state, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said.

Speaking at the formal turbaning ceremony of the new emir, Kwankwaso said Sanusi’s selection was devoid of sentiment, because the eventual winner was the  foremost choice of the kingmakers.

He revealed that the government would hand a building to the family of the late emir, while Sanusi prepares to formally relocate to the king’s palace.

“The appointment of an emir is not a political issue,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that some enemies of Kano State attempted to politicise this process. HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was not only on the recommended list of the kingmakers, but was on top of the list.”

Erstwhile minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, who attended the occasion, delivered a blow-by-blow account of the ceremony via his Twitter page.

“The formal coronation ceremonies are about to begin. Alhamdulillah,” he wrote at some point.

“Right now, we are in Gov Kwankwaso’s office awaiting the commencement of the coronation ceremonies. The emir is being dressed up for the occasion in the Kano State Government House. Ceremonies will start in the next hour by God’s Grace. I am so happy and proud of my brother.”

After the turbaning, Sanusi gave his first royal speech in native Hausa, beaming with smiles all along as princes of the kingdom paid homage.

Despite Kwankwaso’s claim, Sanusi’s appointment is believed to have been influenced by the politics of the existing benefits for either of the country’s two main political parties: the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All progressives Congress (APC).

After Sanusi’s emergence on Sunday, supporters of Sanusi Lamido Ado bayero, son of the late Ado Bayero who was also in the running, took to the streets in protest.

The protests continued on Monday along  Emir’s palace, the Kano Central Mosque and around the airport, with protesters chanting songs of dissent.