The ancient city of Kano was agog on Saturday for the coronation of Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sunusi II. While President Goodluck Jonathan was not at the ceremony, presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) as well as the party leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, numbered among dignitaries whose presence were registered.
Meanwhile, the colourful coronation was successful even without the presence of any federal government delegations, nor, the attendance of Kano indigenes serving in top federal government positions.
Malam Sanusi was before his coronation taken through the rigorous process of the oath of office. The Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Sani Zaharadeen, while administering the oath of office on the new emir, accompanied by the kingmakers, presented him a copy of the Holy Quran.
Sanusi, who was also adorned with the royal regalia, was eventually regularised by the kingmakers of the Emirate Council. This was followed by the paying of homage to him by other royal personalities who took turns to do him the customary honour.
The new Emir, in his acceptance speech delivered after the coronation, appreciated all those who contributed to his becoming the 14th Emir of Kano in the Fulani dynasty, adding that it was Allah that gives power to whoever he wishes and takes away power from whoever he so wishes.
“I will not stop without praying for the repose soul of our late Emir Ado Bayero, who was humble, industrious, humane and respectful. May Allah grant him Jannatul-fir-daus and his ancestors alike. It is instructive to know that out of the many years of Kano Emirate rule, our late Emir took about one over four of the years, he spent about 51 years on the throne,” Sanusi noted.
He further assured that he would do his possible best as the Emir of Kano to strengthen the peaceful co-existence between all adherents of different faith and ethnic nationalities in the country.
While praying that God should give Nigeria the best leaders as elections draw nearer, the monarch called on politicians to ensure that the forthcoming election is peaceful and credible.
In his remarks, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State described the appointment of Sanusi as the Emir of Kano as a collective decision of the people, noting that he was appointed to ascend the exalted throne on merit.
He maintained that his decision to appoint Sanusi out of the names presented to him was borne out of the conviction that the former CBN governor was equal to the task, saying his vast array of experience was enough to propel Kano to greater heights.
Kwankwaso, who used the occasion to pay glowing tribute to late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, emphasized that the late emir had firmly stood against all forms of injustice and persecution.
Other APC big wigs that attended the ceremony that saw Emir Sanusi receiving the staff of office include Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi; Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; and Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Geidam.
Also in attendance were former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon; Kaduna State Governor, Ramalan Yero; Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido; Zamfara State Governor, Abdulazeez Abubakar Yari; Edo State Governor; Borno State Governor, Ibrahim Shettima; Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wammako; Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu; and Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed.
Other dignitaries at the event were: Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; former Chief of Defence Staff, General Abdurrahman Dambazau; US Ambassador in Nigeria, British High Commissioner, Canadian High Commissioner, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, diplomats from other countries, Emirs from different states of the federation amongst others.
Comments