Kano Govt Tackles FG Over Emir’s Palace Blockade

• As security operatives thwart installation of Bichi District Head by Emir Sanusi

The Kano State Government has fingered the Federal Government in the Friday morning sudden blockade of the Palace of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II in Kofar Kudu, Kano.

Reports confirmed that the Kofar Kudu Gate of the Palace, popularly called Gidan Rumfa, or the Gidan Sarki (‘Emir’s house’) was locked down by the operatives thereby preventing entrance and exit on the day.

An angry Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, described the action as unfortunate, blaming it on a few people that have backing from Abuja who do not want Kano to enjoy peace.

Bichi, who pointed accusing fingers at the federal government while speaking on a local radio, expressed anger at the blockade, saying; “We were really surprised waking up to this development with police sealing off the entrance to the palace of Kano Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

“What surprises us the most is that Kano is peaceful but it’s just a few people that have backing from Abuja that don’t want Kano to be peaceful.

“The Emir was to escort his District Head of Bichi, Wamban Kano, pray with him there and then come back. We were all invited and then we woke up to this. We asked the reason and they told us it was an order given to them from above. Who is there above, it is the Federal Government.

“We in Kano have resolved to stay in peace, peace will reign and nobody will come to Kano and destabilize that.

“The Emir has appointed the District Head and it stands, he will take him to his place and whenever he is ready to go there, we are going there with him, no going back.”

Police, DSS Operatives Lock Down Kano Emir Palace

Reports indicated that following the deployment of heavily armed security forces at the palace early on Friday morning, an uneasy calm reigned in Kano State.

The decision of the security operatives, comprising armed police and Department of State Services (DSS) personnel, to block the Palace’s entrance created a tense atmosphere in within the Kano metropolis.

Palace insiders hinted that Emir Sanusi II, as part of his itinerary for the day, had planned to speak on the controversial the Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly (NASS).

In addition, he was also scheduled to accompany the newly appointed District Head Munir Sanusi to Bichi for an official assignment.

However, without any prior notice, the security operatives swooped on the area to seal the Palace’s entrance while the Emir was reportedly holding court..

Emir Sanusi later led Friday congregational prayer at the Kano Central Mosque outside the Palace.

Kano residents had woken up on Friday to a scene of fierce looking security operatives taking position at the Palace in what reliable sources hinted was aimed at stopping Emir Sanusi from officially installing the District Head of Bichi.

According to a competent source; “Emir Sanusi was scheduled to officially escort the newly-appointed District Head of Bichi and Wamban Kano, Munir Sanusi, to his district posting in Bichi to assume duty today (Friday), marking his official coronation, according to tradition.

“Regrettably, hostile security operatives were deployed to man entry and exit points into the Palace while water cannon, Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and other anti-riot equipment were strategically stationed in case of any breakdown of law and order.

“For now, the installation may have been disrupted for today (Friday) and many say it may not be unconnected with the show of force in the tussle over the ancient city’s throne.

Spokesperson of the Kano Police Command, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa was yet to issue any official statement on the development as of press time, leaving many to bask in speculations as to the reason(s) behind the operatives’ action.