The Kano State Government has accused the Federal Government of orchestrating the sealing of the Kano Emir’s palace, sparking outrage and tension in the historic city.
Heavily armed police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly blocked the entrance to the palace on Friday, creating a dramatic standoff.
This unexpected action prevented Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II from performing planned ceremonial and religious duties.
Witnesses reported an atmosphere of shock and confusion as security personnel barred entry to the palace while the emir held court in its outer chambers.
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was set to address economists on the heated debate surrounding the tax reforms bill currently before the National Assembly.
Additionally, the emir was scheduled to accompany the newly appointed district head, Munir Sanusi, to Bichi for an official ceremony.
Instead of fulfilling these responsibilities, the emir was forced to hold the Friday congregational prayer at the Kano Central Mosque outside the palace.
The scene was described as tense, with residents expressing disappointment over what they termed an unnecessary display of power.
The Kano State Government wasted no time in condemning the blockade, with strong words directed at the Federal Government.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, voiced his frustration during a local radio broadcast.
“We were really surprised waking up to this development with police sealing off the entrance to the palace of Kano Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II,” he said.
Bichi described the action as an attempt by unnamed figures in Abuja to disrupt Kano’s peace.
“What surprises us the most is that Kano is peaceful, but it’s just a few people that have backing from Abuja that don’t want Kano to be peaceful,” he added.
The SSG disclosed that efforts to uncover the reason for the blockade yielded a cryptic explanation from the security operatives.
According to him, the operatives said they were acting on “orders from above.”
“We asked the reason, and they told us it was an order given to them from above. Who is there above? It’s the Federal Government,” Bichi stated emphatically.
Bichi further assured Kano residents that the state would not be intimidated or destabilized by what he described as external interference.
“We in Kano have resolved to stay in peace. Peace will reign, and nobody will come to Kano and destabilize that,” he declared.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that the emir’s decisions, including the appointment of district heads, stand firm.
“The emir has appointed the district head, and it stands. He will take him to his place, and whenever he is ready to go there, we are going there with him—no going back,” he concluded.
This incident comes amidst growing concerns over the relationship between Kano State and the Federal Government.
While neither the presidency nor any federal security agency has issued a statement on the blockade, analysts suggest it could signal deepening political tension.
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is a prominent figure with significant influence, not just in Kano but across Nigeria.
Known for his outspoken views on national issues, including economic reforms, some speculate that the blockade might be connected to his planned speech on tax reforms.
Many Kano residents have expressed their anger over the blockade, calling it an infringement on the emir’s traditional and religious duties.
Others accused the Federal Government of trying to weaken the influence of traditional institutions in the region.
As the dust settles, questions remain about the true motives behind the blockade.
Is it a mere security precaution, or does it hint at a larger political agenda?
