Sanusi snubs police ban, leads durbar in Kano

Sanusi

• Kano accuses police of undermining govt
• CP expresses satisfaction over peaceful conduct at Eid

As the Emirship tussle in Kano continues, the reinstated emir and the deposed one led the Eid-el-Kabir prayers in separate prayer grounds in the state yesterday. While Emir Muhammad Sanusi II led the prayers inside the Kofar Mata Juma’at Mosque alongside Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other government officials due to rain, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero prayed at the Nasarawa mini-palace mosque.

After the prayer, Emir Sanusi II proceeded to Gidan Shettima Palace at Kofar Kwaru where he conducted a mini durbar in defiance to the ban earlier announced by the Kano State Police Command. Sanusi was seen riding a horse surrounded by many of his followers, including those blowing “Kaakaki,” a local trumpet, and playing drums.

A durbar is a festival held during Eid-el-Kabir and Eid-el-Fitri celebrations. It begins with prayers, followed by a parade of the Emir and his entourage on horses.

Due to flooding at the usual Eid ground, the Emir rode horseback through the streets of Wambai, Zage, Yan Damadan, and Shahuci, returning to the palace in a grand procession. In a departure from traditions, the Emir was the sole horseback rider, while district heads walked or rode in vehicles.

After observing the two-unit prayers behind Emir Sanusi II, Governor Yusuf urged the people of Kano to remain calm and peaceful while going about their lawful businesses. The governor claimed the police did not consult him before deciding to ban the colourful durbar activities in the state.

Though the police said the ban was in the interest of peace and security, the state government expressed concern over the actions of the Commissioner of Police, who has been accused of disobeying the directives of the governor, particularly regarding the banning of Eid-el-Kabir festivities without consulting the governor or the State Security Council.

According to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi, “How can anybody in his right senses ban Sallah festivities in Kano? And when did the governor cease to be the Chief Security Officer of the state that he will only see such a ban on social media?”

A former commissioner in the state, Ahmad Yakasai, who prayed alongside Emir Bayero, expressed gratitude for the peace being enjoyed in the state despite the Emirship tussle.

The police command has also expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and orderly conduct of Eid-el-Kabir prayers across the state. The Commissioner of Police, Hussaini Gumel, told newsmen that he was happy with the calm mien of all Kano residents.

Gumel, who has just been promoted to Assistant Inspector-General, lauded the residents for their orderly conduct at various prayer grounds, both within and outside the Kano metropolis. “Reports from all the 44 Local Government Areas have indicated a peaceful atmosphere with no threats to lives or property,” he said.

There had been fears of possible skirmishes given the ongoing tussle over the emirship seat after the state government removed the five emirs and reinstated Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.