The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has underscored the importance of traditional institutions in promoting nation-building and strengthening good governance.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Emir Sanusi stated that he does not require constitutional backing to offer advice to the president or state governors on matters affecting the country.
He explained that his mandate to give such counsel stems from his position as a leader of the people, not from provisions of the constitution.
Sanusi said, “Do I need to be told to advise the President? Do I need the Constitution to tell me that if I think there is something the country needs, I should go to the President and say, ‘Mr President, I think this is wrong?’
“I don’t need the Constitution. I don’t need the Constitution to tell the governor that I think this is what we should be doing. I get that authority from being a leader of the people.
“I know there are people who think that we need to have something in the Constitution. What is in the constitution that traditional rulers are there to advise us? We respect that you have executive authority of the governor; times have moved.”
During the programme, the former Central Bank governor also stressed the need for broader political inclusion, particularly advocating increased participation of women in nation-building.
According to him, women play vital roles in fostering inclusive governance and should be better represented in elective offices.
More updates to follow…