HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II condemns NBA’s withdrawal of El-Rufai’s invite as conference speaker, says lawyers’ body lost opportunity to investigate governor
Former Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, who arrived Kaduna, Kaduna State capital on Sunday on a one-week visit beginning from same day August 23, 2020, has described the attitude of leadership of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) removing Governor Nasir El-Rufai as a speaker at his annual general conference as condemnable.
The former Emir, who was driven from Air Force Base wing of the Kaduna International Airport late morning of Sunday and straight to the Government House where he was received by the governor, faulted the dis-invitation.
Speaking during a visit to the Kaduna State governor at his office in the Government House, Sanusi criticised the NBA for taking such a decision by relying on mere hearsay or petition from a few lawyers.
He believes it is wrong to withdraw the invitation the association earlier extended to the governor without giving him a fair hearing to defend himself.
The former Emir, however, advised that the matter should be handled properly by the leadership of the NBA to prevent it from generating ethnic or religious concerns.
According to him, the association has lost an opportunity to interrogate the governor and collectively rub minds to identify areas that need to be addressed for the purpose of governance.
Sanusi also prayed for peace to return to the troubled Southern Kaduna and other parts of the country where there were security challenges.
He also commended his host for the way he has managed the affairs of Kaduna, especially the effort to resolve the security challenges in Southern Kaduna and other parts of the state.
On his part, Governor El-Rufai described the former Emir as a worthy partner and friend to Kaduna State.
He noted that as the Vice Chairman of Kaduna State Investment Promotion Agency, the former traditional ruler would help in turning around the economy of the state.
Following his arrival in Kaduna, Sanusi was received by a crowd of supporters who joined in his motorcade to the Government House.
His visit to Governor El-Rufai, who is his long time friend for over 40 years, comes more than five months after he was deposed by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State.
Sanusi today is successor of Sheikh Ahmad Tijani as leader of the Tijaniyah Sufism in West Africa.
The DEFENDER had earlier reported that the royal leader and former Governor of Central Bank of India (CBN) was also in Kaduna to receive admirers who had wanted to see him and that he would be visiting the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and Katagun before he returns to his base in Lagos.