Jonathan snubs Emir Sanusi's coronation

Jonathan snubs Emir Sanusi's coronation

Saturday, February 7, 2015 7:55 pm


MADUABUCHI NMERIEBH/Kano

Emir Sanusi: before he was decorated wih the coronation dress

Emir Sanusi: before he was decorated wih the coronation dress

Emir Sanusi, second left holding the instruments of office

Emir Sanusi, second left holding the instruments of office

Nigeria’s President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan did not attend the coronation of Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi 11 held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, northwest Nigeria.

The Presidency did also not send delegation to the event.

Sarki Muhammad Sanusi hitherto known as Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was the immediate past Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

During his tenure at the CBN, he blew the whistle against President Jonathan’s closest aide in government, Diezani Alison Madueke, in charge of the oil sector, to complain that the nation was being shortchanged in the remittance of oil earnings.

Though President Jonathan and Sarki Sanusi 11 are said to have mended walls, our Correspondent could not ascertain the reason why Jonathan shunned the coronation.

Jonathan, however attended another church event in Lagos, a service of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry headed by Pastor Lazarus Muoka, Jonathan’s second church event in less than 12 hours, having attended an all night Holy Ghost Night of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State.

Dignitaries that graced the Sanusi coronation occasion include former Head of State and Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, APC National Leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Governors, Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Ahmed Abdulfatah (Kwara), Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe), Abdullaziz Yari (Zamfara), Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers), Ramalan Yero (Kaduna), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Kashim Shetima (Borno), President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Aminu Dandata, Speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar 11 who was the father of the day, Senator Saminu Turaki, Senator Bukola Saraki, Emirs, traditional rulers, captains of industry and members of the diplomatic corps.

Emir Sanusi: A ceremony of pomp and colour

Emir Sanusi: A ceremony of pomp and colour


The Emir, in high spirit, was led into the Coronation Hall by Shamaki and other royal guards in the company of high-ranking Chiefs in the Emirate Council. His entourage came in at exactly 10:10.

He sat close to Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111.

At about 10:50, the Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Sani Zaharadeen performed the administration of Oath of Office where the Emir vowed to uphold the tenets of Islam and the rich cultural heritage of Kano ancient kingdom.

Sarki Sanusi 11 was, thereafter, decorated with traditional regalia by Madakin Kano, Alhaji Yusuf Nabahani Ibrahim who was supported by Makaman Kano, Sarkin Bai Kano and Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta Kano. Items presented to the new Emir by the kingmakers include sword, spear, knife, bow and arrow. The presentation lasted for 10 minutes.

The decoration was followed with cheers and shouts of joy, with the large crowd chorusing Allah Akbar.

Dignitaries at the event, Governor Aliyu, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, General yakubu Gowon, Maj. General Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Kwankwaso

Dignitaries at the event, Governor Aliyu, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, General yakubu Gowon, Maj. General Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Kwankwaso

Governor Kwankwaso presented the new Emir with the staff of office. This was greeted with traditional 21 gun salute to herald the authority of his royal office.

In his address during the traditional rites, Madakin Kano, Alhaji Yusuf Chigari who is the chairman, kingmakers committee, thanked Allah for sparing the life of the Emir and members of the emirate council to witness the coronation of the 57th Emir of Kano. He prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero and also prayed that Allah will grant the new Emir the grace to lead his people in truth and wisdom.

Gowon, Kwankwaso, Tinubu moving to the event

Gowon, Kwankwaso, Tinubu moving to the event

Sarki Muhammad Sanusi 11, thanked Allah for making it possible for him to witness the memorable day. He said the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero spent 51 years, a height which no Emir in Kano has ever attained and prayed God to bless his soul and give the living the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He also beseeched Allah to give him the wisdom to lead the people of Kano in peace and harmony.

He said his appointment would strengthen his resolve to contribute his widow’s mite in fulfilling his obligations, stressing that God in his infinite wisdom and will is the one who gives power to whom he so wishes and expressed appreciation to all those who were responsible for his appointment as the new Emir of Kano.

Sultan of Sokoto Saad Abubakar congratulates Kwankwaso after formally opening the coronation hall

Sultan of Sokoto Saad Abubakar congratulates Kwankwaso after formally opening the coronation hall

He also promised to do his best by protecting the religion of Islam, give advice where necessary and promote the welfare of his people while he declared the royal Saturday as a thanksgiving one.

Also speaking, Governor Kwankwaso described the appointment of Malam Muhammad Sanusi 11 as the Emir of Kano as a collective judgment of the people and that he is appointed to ascend the exalted throne on merit. He said the selection process that led to the appointment of Emir Sanusi 11 was rigorous and painstaking as the kingmakers went extra-miles in executing their responsibilities.

According to him, his decision to appoint Sanusi 11 out of the names presented to him was borne out of the conviction that he was equal to the task, pointing out that his array of experience was enough to propel Kano to greater heights. The Governor said Emir Sanusi 11 was an embodiment of excellent scholarship and a seasoned technocrat who could remarkably turn the fortune of Kano around.

He expressed confidence that the people of Kano stand to regret nothing, having his fingers in the saddle of authority. Kwankwaso, however, stated that his stewardship as the governor of CBN was good omen to the people of Kano as a result of the effort he made in the establishment of micro-finance banks in the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano.

While paying a glowing tribute to the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, Governor Kwankwaso stated that the let Emir firmly stood against all forms of injustice and persecution. He said Kano had greatly missed a rare gem in the death of the late Emir, adding that Emir Bayero would always be remembered as a pillar in the promotion of pure Islamic and cultural values.

His words: “For me personally, this occasion is unique and historic, because destiny and fate has reposed upon me to administer the presentation of Staff of Office to the 57th Emir of Kano and the 14th in the Fulani ruling clan in the person of Malam Muhammad Sanusi II.

“While accomplishing this important Official State function, my mind went back to the tedious and thorough process the Government has to undergo in the selection process. However, what is certain is that the selection of His Highness Emir Muhammad Sanusi II was a meticulous process, with constructive engagements with the King Makers Council and also series of consultations with other stakeholders who were either contacted or offered free advise; all in an effort to ensure that the right person is appointed. At this point, I wish to extend our appreciation to all who had participated in the selection and subsequent appointment of the Emir.

“Let me also add that Emir Muhammad Sanusi’s appointment was guided by collective and careful judgment of his ability, credibility and capability to provide the required purposeful leadership to enhance the Emirate Council and the general wellbeing of our people. Furthermore, His Highness appointment was justified, owing to the wide spread acceptance from Kano community and has drawn accolade from other spirited personalities from all walks of life. As we are all aware, the Emir is a highly knowledgeable person, a seasoned technocrat of International repute and an administrator per excellence. Above all, he is heir apparent of the throne who has distinguished himself as an outstanding religious scholar that is quite conversant with the dynamics of our time.

“Once again I have the singular honour and privilege to heartily congratulate His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II in respect of hisCoronation as the 57th Emir of Kano and wish His Highness God’s guidance, good health, long life and prosperity on the throne. I finally wish to extend our appreciation to all dignitaries for making time to grace this historic occasion.”

The event was wrapped up with a beautiful Durbar that was staged at the Kofar Kudu arena in Emir’s Palace, immediately after the coronation ceremony which took place at the 1500 sitting capacity Coronation Hall 2015 located in Government House.


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