Kano Government Blames Federal Authorities for Sealing Emir’s Palace
The Kano State Government has pointed fingers at the Federal Government following the closure of the entrance to the Emir of Kano’s palace on Friday.
Armed police officers and operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) blocked the palace gates, creating an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty.
Reports suggest that Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was scheduled to address a group of economists regarding the ongoing debate over the controversial tax reform bills before the National Assembly. Additionally, the Emir was due to accompany his newly appointed district head, Munir Sanusi, to Bichi.
The security forces sealed off the palace entrance while the Emir was holding court at the outer part of the palace. Later, he led the congregational Friday prayers at the Kano Central Mosque, located outside the palace grounds.
Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government, expressed outrage over the blockade, blaming the federal government for the action.
Speaking on a local radio station, Bichi stated: “We were shocked to wake up and find that the police had sealed off the entrance to the Emir’s palace. What is even more surprising is that Kano is a peaceful place, and yet, a few individuals with support from Abuja seem determined to disrupt that peace.”
Bichi further explained the situation, saying, “The Emir was supposed to take his newly appointed district head to Bichi, pray with him there, and then return. We had all been invited to attend. But instead, we woke up to this. When we asked the reason, they told us it was an order from above. And the only ‘above’ we can think of is the Federal Government.”
He concluded by reaffirming the Kano State Government’s commitment to peace: “We in Kano have made it clear that we are committed to peace, and nothing will disrupt that. The Emir’s appointment of the district head stands, and whenever he is ready to go, we will go with him. There is no turning back.”
