The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has expressed confusion and disappointment over the blockade of the historic Gidan Rumfa Palace by security operatives last week.
The palace, a symbol of Kano Emirate’s cultural heritage, was cordoned off by operatives from the police and Department of State Services (DSS), restricting movement in and out of the premises.
No official explanation has been provided by the security agencies for their actions.
Reports, however, suggest the incident might be linked to the planned installment of Munir Sanusi as the new District Head of Bichi.
Sources claim that the blockade disrupted arrangements for the Emir to accompany Munir Sanusi to his official installation ceremony.
Other speculations point to a planned discussion about the controversial tax reform bills as a potential reason for the security intervention.
Reacting to the incident, the Kano State Government criticized the Federal Government, accusing it of orchestrating the blockade through its security apparatus.
During a meeting on Wednesday with a delegation from Bichi, the Emir reiterated the lack of communication regarding the reasons behind the security action.
“This thing that happened is only a distraction,” the Emir said.
“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.”
He assured the delegation that the installment of their new District Head would proceed peacefully at a later date.
“Another day will be fixed, and your District Head will surely be brought to you,” he added.
The Emir also urged the people of Bichi to maintain their calm and avoid any actions that could disturb the peace.
“Go and inform the public to continue to remain peaceful and prayerful,” he said.
“Whatever the situation, peace and prayer will surely take us to the end of the tunnel.”
He emphasized the importance of not engaging with individuals attempting to disrupt public order.
“Whenever you see a person trying to breach the peace being enjoyed by the public, you don’t become part of it,” the Emir warned.
The Emir shared nostalgic memories of his deep connection to Bichi, calling it his second home.
While addressing the delegation, he recounted how he spent part of his childhood in Bichi during his school vacations.
“I know nowhere more than Bichi,” he said.
He described how he divided his vacation time among Azare, Bichi, and Dawakin Tofa, spending 20 days each year in Bichi.
“It is obvious that any town you visit to spend twenty days every year is indeed another home,” the Emir remarked.
He praised the people of Bichi as peace-loving and educated, with a strong religious foundation.
The Emir also highlighted the historical relationship between the people of Bichi and his family, saying it was unthinkable for them to reject a son of the Kalifa as their leader.
“More so, with the way the people of Bichi revere the Khalif and Wambai Abubakar, there is no way a son of the Kalifa will be taken to them as the Wambai and they will turn their backs on him,” the Emir said.
The delegation from Bichi included prominent community leaders such as the Local Government Chairman, Hamza Sule Maifata, the Chief Imam of the Local Government, Mallam Lawan Abubakar, and the Chairman of the Elders Forum, Mallam Isyaka Bichi.
The leaders expressed their gratitude for the Emir’s appointment of Munir Sanusi as the District Head of Bichi and pledged their unwavering allegiance to the Kano Emirate.