Emir of Kano breaks silence over palace blockade, says Emirate still in the dark
*As LG Chairman-led Bichi delegation visits him
By KEMI KASUMU
The delegation from Bichi was led by Hamza Sule Maifata, Chairman of the Local Government; Mallam Lawan Abubakar, Chief Imam of Bichi; and Mallam Isyaka Bichi, Chairman of the Elders Forum.
The Emir of Kano, Khalifah Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said the much revered ancient Emirate is still in the dark over last week’s blockade of his Gidan Rumfa Palace by security operatives.
The mixed Federal security agents cut across the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Service (DSS).
The Emir said there has been no official communication regarding the reasons for the action.
Speaking on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from Bichi, who came to express gratitude for the appointment of their new District Head, Munir Sanusi, the Emir described the incident as a distraction that would not hinder the Emirate’s activities.
“This thing that happened is only a distraction. We still don’t know why it happened, and those involved have not said the reason why they did it. However, this will not stop anything,” the Emir said.
The palace was sealed off last week by operatives of the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS), restricting movement in and out of the premises.
While security agencies have remained silent on the issue, sources suggest the blockade may be connected to the scheduled instalment of Munir Sanusi as the District Head of Bichi or a planned discussion on the controversial tax reform bills.
The Kano State Government has criticised the Federal Government for the incident, accusing security agencies of overstepping their bounds.
Despite the uncertainty, Emir Sanusi II reassured the delegation that the instalment ceremony for the new District Head would proceed as planned on another date.
“I assure you that another day will be fixed, and your District Head will surely be brought to you. Everything will take place peacefully,” he said.
The Emir also called on the people of Bichi to remain calm and continue fostering peace.
“Go and inform the public to remain peaceful and prayerful. Whatever the situation, peace and prayer will surely take us to the end of the tunnel. Whenever you see a person trying to breach the peace being enjoyed by the public, you don’t become part of it,” he added.
The Emir reminisced about his personal connection to Bichi, describing it as his “second home.”
He shared memories of spending long vacations in the town during his school years, underscoring his affinity for the area.
“I know nowhere more than Bichi. Maybe some of you might be aware of this if they have had the opportunity to deal or relate with my late uncle, Wambai Abubakar. While growing up, whenever there was a long vacation every year, I visited Azare, where I spent a month, then Bichi for twenty days, and Dawakin Tofa for ten days. This was how I spent my long vacation throughout the time I was in school.
“It is obvious that any town you visit to spend twenty days every year is indeed another home. I know the people of Bichi and their peace-loving nature. They are a land of educated persons with good religious ideology,” the Emir said.
The delegation from Bichi was led by Hamza Sule Maifata, Chairman of the Local Government; Mallam Lawan Abubakar, Chief Imam of Bichi; and Mallam Isyaka Bichi, Chairman of the Elders Forum.
They pledged their loyalty to the Emirate and expressed gratitude for the appointment of Munir Sanusi, affirming the people’s readiness to welcome their new District Head.
