‘Timely decision’ — Obi commends police for withdrawing invitation to Sanusi

Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has commended the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for withdrawing the invitation sent to Muhammadu Sanusi, the Emir of Kano.

Last week, the police invited Sanusi to the force headquarters for questioning over alleged killings during the recent Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

In a letter dated April 4 and signed by Olajide Ibitoye, commissioner of police, on behalf of the deputy inspector-general of police in charge of the force intelligence department (FID), the police asked Sanusi to attend an investigative meeting on April 8.

During the Eid-el-Fitr celebration last Sunday, some members of a vigilance group, who were said to be part of Sanusi’s entourage, were allegedly attacked and killed.

Sanusi led the Eid prayer at the Kofar Mata ground in Kano. Abba Yusuf, governor of the state, and other government officials, attended the event.

The Kano police command had set up an eight-member panel to investigate the killing, saying it occurred despite the force’s ban on durbar activities.

On Sunday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, said the IGP withdrew the invitation to the monarch following advice from “respected stakeholders”.

He said the IGP has ordered the force intelligence department to meet Sanusi in Kano and obtain his statement on the incident.

‘DECENTRALISED APPROACH ENCOURAGES TRUST’

Reacting in a post on his X page on Monday, Obi said a decentralised approach to the matter would encourage peace and public trust.

The former Anambra governor said the invitation was unnecessary ab initio and could have further heightened an already inflamed situation.

“I would like to commend the Nigeria Police Force for the wise and timely decision it took to withdraw the invitation extended to His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II,” Obi wrote.

“In light of the current tensions within our society, such an invitation was unnecessary and could have further heightened an already inflamed situation.

“There is a fully functional police command in Kano, with sufficient capacity to address such matters within the State.

“That is precisely why we have senior-ranking officers, including Commissioners of Police and Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), to handle issues of this nature appropriately at the state and zonal levels.

“Once again, I appreciate the decision to withdraw the invitation. A decentralised approach would encourage peace and public trust.”