Encomium
WHY PRESIDENT JONATHAN PLOTTED TO DETHRONE HIM BEFORE HE BEGGED HIM
The intrigues, politics and horse trading that eventually culminated in the appointment of former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (SLS) as the 57th Emir of Kano started even before the death of former Emir Ado Bayero on Friday, June 6, 2014.
President Goodluck Jonathan, who has been having a running battle with Lamido Sanusi, had embarked on a private visit to Kano in the third week of February to confer with Bayero on his problem with SLS, a ranking member of the Emirate Council. After a brief consultation, the president was allegedly given the go-ahead by the emir to fire the former CBN boss.
The advise, insiders squeled, was given with one issue in mind – that Sanusi had never hidden his ambition to ascend the coveted throne should the chance occur. Indeed, his ambition was not only verbally pronounced, but was reportedly revealed to Bayero by palace marabouts, who pointedly told the late emir that there is nothing the former CBN governor seeks to achieve that is beyond his reach.
At first, Bayero was said to have accepted this verdict and went a step further to bring the one- time First Bank GMD close to him. He made him a title holder (Dan Majen Kano) in the emirate. But the emir was to later change his mind, perhaps because he thought Sanusi’s sack from CBN would truncate his ambition to succeed him as the next emir.
Highly reliable and impeccable sources said long before the emir became seriously ill, he had unofficially chosen his eldest son, Sanusi Bayero, to succeed him.
We further learnt the late emir had tactically appealed to the brothers of his eldest son to rally around him when the throne becomes vacant and they all agreed.
But those familiar with the palace’s succession politics knew it is always the kingmakers and not the outgoing emir who picked his successor.
Interestingly, a week before he died, the emir was said to have made some appointments in the emirate. Crucial among these was the appointment of the Waziri (Vizier). His choice was Sheikh Nasiru Muhammad Nasir, his childhood friend. However, before the turbaning ceremony, the state government got wind of it and sought to persuade him to shelve it. But he reportedly refused. Right in the presence of the emissary of the government, the Deputy Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Vizier was installed.
Barely a day after, protests began to trail this decision, which, ab initio, was not ratified by many of the emirate’s district heads. The new vizier, seen as pompous and arrogant because of his closeness to the emir, did not make matters easy for himself. He allegedly rode on horseback to his official residence, still occupied by his predecessor’s family and ordered them to quit within 24 hours.
His next port of call was the homes of two of the most influential title holders (councillors in the Emirate Council) – Wamban Kano, Abbas Sanusi, Sanusi’s uncle and Galadima Kano, Tijjani Hashim. His verbal attack at the residences of the two men was so scathing that it drew tears from the eyes of Hashim, a power broker with influential friends like former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, and banking mogul, Otunba Subomi Balogun. Both men took their complaints to the state governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who, acting on their petitions, quashed the vizier’s appointment. And a week later, Bayero died!
HOW BAYERO’S SUCCESSION BATTLE BEGAN
As soon as Bayero’s death was announced, there were insinuations in many quarters, notably from those who had an axe to grind with the governor of the state, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, that the governor hastened Bayero’s demise by rescinding his decision on the appointment of the ousted vizier. (The emir died of heart attack after returning from a medical trip from the UK). It was amid this rumour that the much loved and adored Bayero was laid to rest by a huge crowd that has never known any other traditional authority in the last 50 years.
As soon as Bayero was buried, old rivalries re-surfaced. Although he had no hand in the deposition of Lamido Sanusi’s grandfather, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi, his design was to have a continuity of his dynasty. But this was not to be without a challenge from the old guards. These were Sanusi, his uncle, the Wambai, and another relative, a dark horse in palace affairs, Ambassador. Abbas Sanusi Abbas.
“The threesome squared up against the quadruple- three Bayero princes and a younger brother of the late emir, Sani Bayero. The Bayero quartet was led by Sanusi Ado Bayero, who also held the title of Ciroma”, an online media, The Will narrates.
“Unknown to many, Ciroma, who has enjoyed a robust career in different fields from civil service through aviation to law practice, was a godfather to the current Minister of Justice, Muhammad Bello Adoke. The chief law officer was an attorney in the latter’s chamber for some years in Kano. He did not severe their relationship when he got to the centre. He was said to have presented to him an armoured SUV recently.
Apart from Adoke, elder statesman and leader of the Ijaw nation, Chief Edwin Clarke, has been reaching out to Ciroma in his bid to get an ally for the president in Kano before 2015.
A lot of financial support was said to have allegedly reached the Ciroma through Clarke. So, when Emir Bayero died, the Presidency quickly mobilised support for Ciroma.”
From the time the four kingmakers- Mukhtar Maje Adnan (Sarkin Bai), Sarki Aliyu, former principal private secretary of late Gen. Sani Abacha (Makama), Nabahani Ibrahim (Madaki) and Bello Abubakar (Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta) started their deliberations at Soron Giwa, Ciroma too kick-started his campaign. He allegedly doled out lots of money just as his brothers and uncle quietly withdrew in his favour by the time the kingmakers reconvened inside the ante-chamber of Government House, Kano.
TINUBU, APC CHIEFTAINS STORM KANO GOVT HOUSE FOR SANUSI
Meanwhile, some chieftains of the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) who badly needed Sanusi to succeed Bayero, stormed the state that Sunday, June 8. In town were the party’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
When it was obvious that the APC was ganging up against Ciroma, the Federal Government grounded the chartered jet of Governor Rotimi Amaechi at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano. The governor, who came under the guise of condoling with Kwankwaso had landed in Kano, where he and other APC chieftains perfected the emergence of Sanusi. He would later drive himself to Abuja that Sunday night without the knowledge of his adversaries and even his host.
Since Sanusi was suspended by Jonathan in February, the opposition APC has been in the vanguard of criticism of the Presidency’s action. Kwankwaso, being one of the frontline governors of the APC, did not mince words in condemning the Federal Government’s action in the governor’s removal. Before he was sacked, Kwankwaso’s administration benefitted immensely from Sanusi’s suspicious generosity.
He had donated millions of naira to the government in the wake of multiple attacks on Kano by Boko Haram. So, it was not a surprise that Kwankwaso would be prompted by a high-powered delegation of the APC leadership led by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to work closely to ensure that Sanusi succeeded Bayero.
On his own, long before Bayero died, Kwankwaso had maintained that with the emergence of a new governor (himself), there would be a new emir in Kano. This statement, which in Hausa reads: Sabon gwamna, sabon sarki, signalled the deepening of an animosity between him and Bayero, which dates back to 2003, when it was alleged that the late emir voted for the now rested All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) governorship candidate, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau.
Shekarau’s romance with Bayero blossomed to the point where the ex-governor, who dumped the merger of APC he helped build for PDP, became an in-law of the late king and was even made a title holder (Sardauna Kano) in the emirate.
To return to APC connection, Tinubu, Amaechi, former Chairman of the EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Senator Danjuma Goje, former governor of Gombe State and his Kwara State counterpart, Senator Bukola Saraki, were all guests of Kwankwaso inside Government House, Kano, at a time the kingmakers, also holed up inside the same precinct, were trying to decide who will be the next Sarki Kano. And they didn’t leave Kano until Sanusi was announced Bayero’s successor.
Sanusi, being the major challenger, with a lot of savvy and stupendous wealth, worked from the background. He knew that Bayero had given the go-ahead for his suspension as CBN governor.
He knew that Kwankwaso wasn’t happy about what happened. And fortuitously, Kwankwaso and APC are engaged in a political battle with the Presidency. Confident in this knowledge, he too allegedly doled out millions of naira to influence the kingmakers.
DECLARATION, PROTESTS AND PLOT TO UPTURN APPOINTMENT
In the ante-chamber, where they had been ensconced since Saturday afternoon,word had gone out that Sanusi Ado Bayero had been chosen unanimously as the new emir. Even Sanusi Lamido Sanusi tweeted the decision early Sunday morning and congratulated Bayero.But the state governor would not accept that verdict.He allegedly pressured the kingmakers and sent words to them. The state government also issued a public denial that Bayero had been chosen.
When the kingmakers emerged on Sunday evening they were joined by the Secretary to the State Government, Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, who announced Lamido Sanusi as new emir.
What followed was predictable. Ciroma’s supporters took to the streets burning tyres and compelling motorists to fix green leaves to their windshields. They took the city by storm for hours and marched towards Government House. But security operatives were quickly mobilised.
Protests had continued to spread across the streets of Kano not minding that Lamido Sanusi has been given a letter of appointment as emir by the Government of Kano State.
As at Thursday, June 12, Lamido Sanusi was still holed up in Government House as the police, which is controlled by the Federal Government, have laid siege on the emir’s palace in a subtle move to deny him access to the palace.
In fact, the Presidency, the Galadima, Alhaji Tijjani Hashim, a very well connected personality, who is yet to pay homage to the new emir, alongside his acolytes, were hell bent on creating crisis in Kano to the extent that a state of emergency would be in place and Governor Kwankwaso will be removed and replaced with a military administrator.
According to their script, the military administrator will effortlessly oust Lamido Sanusi as emir and announce Sanusi Ado Bayero as authentic Sarki Kano.
HOW THE PRESIDENCY BACKED DOWN ON HIM
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi returned to the emir’s palace on Friday, June 13, following the vacation of the palace by the police on Thursday. Sources told ENCOMIUM Weekly that the new emir allegedly sent emissaries to the Presidency to reconsider their stand on the brewing succession crisis threatening the over 1000 year old Northern traditional institution. Sanusi is said to have pledged to be non partisan in his reign. He also promised to discuss with his lawyers on how to discontinue the cases he has against the Federal government.
Another reliable source, however, averred Sanusi couldn’t have begged Jonathan when he was lawfully appointed Bayero’s successor. We were rather told that the Presidency only bowed to pressure of eminent Northern leaders who knew he had no business in a matter that was the preserve of the state government.
Not a few Nigerians had also wondered the relevance of a Kano emir to the Federal Government which had legions of challenges.
NOT YET UHURU FOR SANUSI
There is, however a school of thought which insists it’s not yet uhuru for the 57th Emir of Kano, who has formally adopted the name, Muhammadu Sanusi 11.
Muhammadu Sanusi, his grandfather, was emir from 1953 to 1963.The thinking is that those who lost would either go to court or dissociate themselves from SLS’s kingship. The FG may also try him for allegedly defrauding CBN while in power. And if the court convicts him, he would then be automatically dethroned.
AN INSIDER ACCOUNT OF SANUSI’S FIVE DAY REIGN FROM KANO GOVT HOUSE
Kano state Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, in an attempt to cushion the post-appointment headache, willingly donated a wing of Kano palatial State House as the temporary palace for Sanusi. Inside the house, the new Emir held court, received guests and performed his traditional functions. But his immediate family remained in his expansive house about 700 meters away from the Government House. Each day began with early morning prayers with his retinue of aides in his lobby.
The emir would then retire to his room to surf the internet before getting set for the day’s job. At about 9.00am, some traditionalists would appear to dress him in royal attire while ranking members of the palace took their seats before he arrives for the day’s job.
Each morning session, according to Government House sources, starts by 9.00am and terminates by the call for early afternoon prayers by 2.00pm. On Friday, day five after his enthronement, that the new emir operated from the Government House, his family prepared his food, while the one offered by Government House was used to entertain guests.
A roll call of those who paid Sanusi courtesy visits were politicians from the APC fold. From Governor Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Geidam (Yobe), no politician of note from the ruling PDP came to pay homage. The new emir spoke to his guests through an interpreter in compliance with tradition that forbids him to speak English or any foreign language other than his father’s own.
Unfortunately, no first class northern emir had paid Sanusi homage since his turbaning on Monday, June 9. The Sultan of Sokoto had warned President Jonathan to stay off the Kano Emirate politics. Sadly for SLS too, his closest rival, Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero has yet to pay him homage since he returned to the emir palace on Friday, June 13.
HOW EMIR OF KANO EMERGES
With the demise of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr) Ado Bayero in the early hours of Friday, June 6, the state had been pushed to unprecedented mourning with millions of Nigerians paying tribute to the first class monarch, who was on his father’s throne for over 50 years.
One fundamental thing that goes with the passing away of a traditional ruler of the Emir of Kano status is the issue of a successor. While the Emirate Council was mourning the sudden death of Bayero, the kingmakers were also busy un-dusting the royal records of the potential successors.
Traditionally speaking, there are four king makers in Kano Emirate Council. These are Sarkin Bai, Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta, Madaki and Makama. They are the senior councillors that have the powers to sit and nominate a succeeding emir. They can nominate two or three potential nominees as the situation warrants.
After nominating the likely successors, the list will be sent to the state governor for endorsement. The Governor, according to the rule has a final say on who becomes an emir.
The process is in some ways like how a vice-chancellor of a university is approved by a visitor of such university.
THOSE WHO WERE TIPPED TO SUCCEED ADO BAYERO
The stool, which is over 1,000 years old from 999AD, has produced about 58 rulers. And out of the 30 candidates (most of whom were doing so for symbolic reasons) seven were strongly in the race. They included…
SANUSI ADO BAYERO (CIROMA KANO)
He is the heir apparent and oldest son of the emir and also one of the district heads under the Emirate of Kano. Sanusi is known as the simple and close son of the emir, who was believed to be interested in succeeding his father, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
ABBAS SANUSI, WAMBAN KANO
It is common knowledge to the people of Kano that one of the front runners for the position was the present Wamban Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, who is the son of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Bayero.
Abbas is the senior councillor in the emirate and he was rumoured to be nursing the ambition of being the emir of Kano for quite a long time now.
His huge experience in the Emirate was initially cited as a great advantage.
SANUSI LAMIDO SANUSI (DANMAJEN KANO)
The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who eventually won was equally a top contender to his late uncle’s throne. From the Sarki Sanusi lineage, many people were optimistic the emir may go back to the late Sarki Sanusi lineage. With that in mind, the Wamban Kano and the former CBN governor stood a better chance to be nominated by the kingmakers.
It was believed by some close observers of the Emirate Council that the appointment of the former CBN governor as the Dan Majen of Kano was part of the preparation to one day emerge as the new emir of Kano.
TIJJANI HASHIM (GALADIMAN KANO)
He is a very popular nobleman among the Kano Emirate Council not only because of his wealth, but his near total influence over members of the emirate and across the state.
Hashim is a household name among the people of the state, popular amongst indigenes and non- indigenes alike largely because of his humanitarian activities. He is well connected in the circle of power brokers in the country. He is said to have a large and dedicated followers.
Alhaji Tijjani Hashim also contributed to the improvement of trade between Kano people and other foreign nationals. He has for long been rumoured to be eyeing the emirship. With the demise of the Emir Bayero, Alhaji Tijjani Hashim was said to be among the contenders.
The top candidates were ex-CBN governor, Sanusi (Dan Majen Kano); the Ciroma Kano (heir apparent), Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero; Turakin Kano, Nasir Ado Bayero; Sarkin Dawaki Tsakarigida, Aminu Ado Bayero; Wambai Kano, Alhaji.
ENCOMIUM Weekly learnt that all were screened by the four-man team of kingmakers in the Emirate’s Council of State.
The kingmakers are Makama, Madaki, Sarkin Wawaki Mai Tuta and Sarkin Bai. The fate of the candidates, a palace source said, before Sanusi was chosen, lay with the kingmakers, who made recommendation to the Kano State Government.
The emirate sought a ruler who will consolidate on the unprecedented developments recorded during the reign of Ado Bayero.
Those aspiring to the stool had been lobbying influential Kano leaders to prevail on the kingmakers to pick them for the vacant stool. It even later emerged that powerful traditional rulers in the North were kicking against the eventual emir, Sanusi Lamido in favour of Ado Bayero’s son, Sanusi Ado Bayero. The move was to entrench a tradition that would enable them install their children successors when they pass on.
LIST OF HEADS OF STATE/PRESIDENTS BAYERO WORKED WITH AS EMIR OF KANO
1. Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
1963 – 1966
2. General Thomas Johnson Aguiyi- Ironsi 1966
3. General Yakubu Gowon 1966-1975
4. General Murtala Muhammed 1975-1976
5. General Olusegun Obasanjo 1976-1979
6. President Shehu Shagari 1979-1983
7. General Muhammadu Buhari 1983-1985
8. General Ibrahim Babangida 1985-1993
9. Chief Ernest Shonekan 1993
10. General Sani Abacha 1993-1998
11. General Abdusalami Abubakar
1998 – 1999
12. President Olusegun Obasanjo
1999 – 2007
13. President Umar Musa Yar’Adua
2007 – 2010
14. President Goodluck Jonathan 2010
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SARKI KANO, SANUSI LAMIDO SANUSI
It’s no longer news that former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has been named the new emir of Kano. He succeeds the late Emir Ado Bayero as the 57th Emir of Kano, following his demise on Friday June 6, 2014.
Announcing the new emir, Kano State Governor, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso said that based on advice given him by the four kingmakers, his government accepted the choice of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new Emir of Kano.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Rabiu Sulaiman Bichi said that the four kingmakers (Makama, Madawaki, Sarkin Bai and Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta) deliberated on three top contenders for the throne, out of which they selected Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and forwarded his name as the new emir. Enjoy all you need to know about the new Emir of Kano…
SANUSI’S LINEAGE IN KANO EMIRATE
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is the first son of Hajiya Anduwa and Ciroma Aminu (second child, after Hajiya Umma), who is the fourth son of former emir of Kano, Sarki Muhammadu Sanusi.
Sarki Sanusi, Lamido’s grandfather, was emir of Kano from 1953-1963. He was also the eldest son of his father, Sarki Abdullahi Bayero, who was emir of Kano from 1926-1953.
Sarki Sanusi (Lamido’s grandfather) hosted Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Kano in 1956. The power tussle between him and his distant cousin, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, is believed to have resulted in his dethronement and confinement in Azare.
The former CBN governor is the nephew of Wamban Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi and Dan Isan Kano,District Head of Warawa, Alhaji Abdullahi Sanusi. His life time ambition has always been to become the Emir of Kano. According to his associate, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, this dream dates back to 1977.
The 57th Sarki Kano is married to three wives and has many children.
HIS ACADEMIC SOJOURN
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi started his western education at St. Anne Primary School, Kakuri, Kaduna (1967-1972). He had his West African School Certificate at the prestigious King’s College, Lagos in 1977.
He then proceeded to the equally prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics in 1981, and he did the course work for Master of Science degree in Economics with distinction in Monetary Policy in 1983.
He did his National Youth Service in former Gongola State (now Adamawa and Taraba States). Sanusi combines a career in banking with a strong background in intellectual pursuits.
A DISTINGUISHED BANKER
The current Emir of Kano was appointed Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria on June 3 2009, and suspended from office by President Goodluck Jonathan on February 20, 2014, after exposing an alleged $20 billion fraud committed by the president’s associates in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). He is a career banker and high ranking Fulani nobleman and also serves as a respected Islamic scholar.
Global financial intelligence magazine The Banker, published by the Financial Times, conferred on Sanusi two awards – the Global award for Central Bank Governor of the Year, as well as for Central Bank Governor of the Year for Africa. The TIME magazine also listed Sanusi in its TIME 100 list of Most Influential People of 2011.
In 1985, Sanusi joined Icon Limited (Merchant Bankers), a subsidiary of Morgan Guaranty Trust Bank of New York, and Baring Brothers of London. He moved to the United Bank for Africa in 1997 in the Credit and Risk Management Division, rising to the position of a General Manager. In September 2005, he joined the board of First Bank of Nigeria as an Executive Director in charge of Risk and Management Control.
SLS was appointed Group Managing Director of First Bank in January 2009. He was also the Chairman, Kakawa Discount House and sat on the board of FBN Bank (UK) Limited.
HIS LEGAL BATTLE WITH FG
The new Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, took the Federal Government to court to challenge his suspension from office as CBN governor by a presidential order on February 14, 2014. When, on May 19, a federal high court, presided over by Justice Gabriel Kolawole referred the case to the National Industrial Court (NIC) on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction, Sanusi and the Federal Government faulted certain aspects of the verdict and headed for the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
However, with Sanusi’s emergence Sunday, June 8, as the New Emir of Kano, analysts are now wondering whether he will continue with the lawsuit.
ALHAJI ADO BAYERO (1930-2014): THE HISTORY OF THE OVER 1000 YEAR OLD KANO EMIRATE
The reign of Sarkin Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero (1930-2014) is indeed the story of the transformation of the Kano Emirate from the authority that controlled the society to the status of community leadership that earned its Islamic legitimacy through service to the people and commitment to the ideals of the Islamic faith. The late Emir was a leader of Muslims of all shades of opinions, not only in Kano but in many parts of Nigeria and the world.
Various groups sought his blessings in their activities, largely because of his influence and the fact that he was one of the most respected Nigerians. Described as Nigeria’s “most prominent traditional rulers”, he was regarded as a wise counsellor because of his experience and diverse cultural linkages that made him a bridge and an asset in promoting mutual understanding and resolving conflicts. Ado Bayero lived for 84 years, 51 of which were at the helm of Kano traditional authority.
Interestingly, the Kano Emirate has been in existence since 999 AD with Bagauda (999 to 1063) as the first Emir. The institution survived because of its capacity to adapt to changing circumstances of the world. It has been affected by global Islamic currents, beginning with the Wangarawa, who came to Kano during the reign of Sarkin Kano Yaji (1349-1385) and made him to adopt Islam as the official religion of Kano. The next epoch was that of Muhammadu Rumfa (1463-1499), when Shaykh Muhammad bn Abd al-Karim al-Maghili wrote the first constitution for a sub-Saharan African state to guide Rumfa.
The Jihad of Shehu Usman Dan Fordio made Islam the ideology of the people and the state. Sarkin Kano, Ibrahim Dabo established the Sullubawa Dynasty. Abdullahi Bayero (1926-1953) and his son, Muhammadu Sanusi (1954-1963) harnessed the connections of the Tijaniyya to resist colonial annihilation of Islamic culture. Ado Bayero put Kano at the national and global stage when he became one of the most influential Muslim leaders in the world. According to the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, Amman, he was “regarded as a wise counsellor both at home and abroad, because of his experience and ability to mediate between cultures”.
He was also “an important asset in promoting mutual understanding and resolving conflicts between different ethnic and religious groups”.
TIMELINE OF SANUSI’S EMERGENCE AS EMIR OF KANO
*Friday, June 6, Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero dies in the early hours of the day. He is buried that same evening with millions of Kano citizens and eminent Nigerians in attendance.
* Saturday, June 7, kingmakers begin selection of Emir Bayero’s successor. Sanusi, a major contender is relocated to Kano Government House for fear of his abduction.
*Sunday June 8, former CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Lamido is announced successor, a decision that sparks off violent protests in the Kano metropolis. Anti-Sanusi protests spread.
This development prompts the police to take over the state as they lay siege on the emir’s palace.
*Monday June 9, Sanusi is turbaned as 14th Fulani Emir of Kano and 57th Emir of Kano amid tight security around 12: 40 pm at the Kano Government House. Police condone off the emir’s palace even as they restrict movement from the venue of the installation. Sanusi finally replaces the late Ado Bayero who died on Friday, June 6 at 83.
* Tuesday, June 10, Sanusi is holed up in Kano Government House from where he rules his domain.
* Wednesday, June 11, police deny receiving orders from Aso Rock to occupy the emir’s palace amid fears that the Inspector General of Police has been ordered to arrest the new emir. There is also a rumour that Jonathan has upturned Sanusi’s emergence as Emir of Kano.
* Thursday, June 12, police withdraw from the emir’s palace.
* Friday, June 13, the new Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, in a triumphant entry, formally makes it to his palace.
* Saturday, June 14, the new emir takes charge as more princes pay him homage.
– UCHE OLEHI
