The unending drama between Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi lll, appears to have taken a new dimension, as a Magistrate Court in Kano, on Tuesday ordered the arrest of persons close to the traditional ruler.

The Emir’s Chief of Staff, Mannir Sanusi, and two others are wanted by the court.

The three were dragged before the court by the Kano State Public Complainant and Anti-corruption Commission for failing to honour its invitation in a N4 billion fraud investigation against the Emir of Kano.

Chief Magistrate Mohammed Idris ordered the arrest of Sanusi, who holds the traditional title of Damburan Kano, Mujitaba Abba and the Accountant of Kano Emirate Council Sani Muhammad-Kwaru over their alleged refusal to honour the commission’s invitation.

The commission wrote to the court seeking for an order of arrest against the three palace officials. Idris consequently issued and signed the arrest warrant sequel to a motion by Salisu Tahir, Chief State counsel.

Tahir had said that the request was based on the provision of Section 38 of the enabling Law establishing the Commission.

NAN recalled that the Commission had invited four people in connection to the allegation, of which only one person, Isa Bayero, alias Isa Pilot,  who was a former Scribe to the Emirate Council, honoured the invitation.

When contacted, the Chairman of the commission, Mr Muhiyi Magaji said the three persons that have arrest warrant on their heads are the principal suspects in the case.

He said the commission had already requested security operatives to enforce the order and arrest the three persons.

Meanwhile, one of the influential traditional rulers from Bauchi State, His Eminence, Alhaji Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya, Emir of Ningi, has revealed that northern monarchs are angry with Governor Ganduje over the split of Kano Emirates.

He stated the mind of other Emirs in an interview with newsmen at his palace in Ningi.

“First of all, politicians or governments must be tolerant and patient with the traditional institutions. They should also be more lenient in punishing Emirs that might have done something wrong. They should not be too hard on the traditional institution like we witnessed in Kano”, Sun quoted the Emir as saying.

“To me, what happened in Kano was unfortunate, it is something least expected. The only thing that remains for us now is to plead with the government to look into the matter while we gave some pieces of advice to the Emir.

“What I am saying now is that, the Kano State government, the Emirate and the Kano State House of Assembly should unite, see beyond personalities and save our pride and rich heritage together.

“Kano Emirate is very old. It has been in existence for over 2,000 years since the Habe Dynasty till the time the Fulanis came. There is no Emirate like Kano in the whole North, their own is unique. Sokoto, Borno, Gwandu emirates may be bigger in terms of prestige, but when it comes to the real display of culture and popularity, Kano Emirate is incomparable to any Emirate.

“If Kano Emirate is trampled upon, that will send a very wrong signal to the traditional institution and the people. That is why I am pleading with the Kano State government, the Kano Emirate as well as well meaning individuals of repute to please have a holistic approach to the situation.

“The Emir and all other stakeholders should unite and save the prestige and respect that Kano enjoys not only in Nigeria but the world over. If we ponder well what happened in Kano will have a very negative backlash on the Emirate, the people, the Princes and the entire Northern Emirates. The action should have been a bit restricted, but the way it was implemented through the fragmentation of the Emirate was unfortunate.

“We are not denying that the Emir might have done something wrong, he is human, but our advise is that, if there is any infraction on the part of the Emir, the action to be taken shouldn’t have been so harsh to go beyond him and affect the entire Emirate and it’s people. This affects the whole history and lineage of the Emirate up to its founder, Emir Dabo. That is why I am still pleading to the authorities to tread with caution on the matter and avoid hasty decisions. No matter what happened, patience and reason should have led the way to resolve the impasse before the decisions are made or actions are taken.

“The dilemma is that, we want to be neutral, but we are always expected to be loyal to the government in power. So if you support the government you will not be seen as partisan, but the moment you are suspected of being close to the opposition, you will be regarded as “Traitor”. Our loyalty therefore must always be with the government.

“However, despite the seeming loyalty of the traditional institution to the government, we are almost always being treated with disdain and our rights being encroached upon which is eroding the respect to the traditional institution. I always respects all the governments in Bauchi State since my ascension to the throne and I wouldn’t want my Jurisdiction being undermined.”

“When the colonial masters were ruling the country and when we got Independence Emirs were not subjected to ridicule because they were respected. Even when an Emir is accused of wrong doing, the committee to investigate will never invite an Emir anywhere, but will go to the Palace and meet him out of respect in order to hear his side before any action is taken. Even if an Emir is to be deposed, it will not be disclosed as a deposition but a ‘Resignation”. All this is being done in order to preserve the dignity of the traditional institution.

“Countries like England are being respected in the world because of their preservation of their cultural heritage through their respected Monarchy. That is what give them respect in the world. So, we will not be fair to ourselves, our children, grandchildren and the other generations to come if we decide to disrespect our Emirates and nobody will respect us again.

“My advise is that, before decisions are taken, the Emirs should be consulted to offer their advise. I would even suggest the formation of a special traditional council to be headed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Shehu of Borno and the Emir of Gwandu so that, if an Emir erred, the government will refer his case to the Council for proper advice and recommendations.

“So, I am pleading if anything happened that involves any of the Emirs not only Kano but anywhere, the Emirate should be accorded respect, not because the person occupying the Throne has done something wrong, then the entire Emirate is disrespected, because it will be an affront on its dignity and heritage. I am still maintaining that, we are very loyal and have respect for governments and constituted authorities.

“Nobody will be happy with what happened in Kano, whether it is the Emir’s fault, the Government’s fault or any other person’s fault. What we want is for all sides to sheath their swords, come together and resolve the issue amicably. Because what happened is not about Sanusi Lamido Sanusi alone, it affected many people far and wide especially the people of Kano Emirate and other Emirates in the North,” he said.

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