The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has expressed the emirate’s bewilderment over the recent blockade of the Gidan Rumfa Palace by security operatives.
The Emir noted that no official explanation has been provided for the incident.
Speaking on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from Bichi, who visited to express their gratitude for the appointment of their new District Head, Munir Sanusi, the Emir described the blockade as a mere distraction that would not disrupt the emirate’s activities.
“This thing that happened is only a distraction. 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,” the Emir said.
The palace was sealed off last week by operatives of the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS), restricting movement in and out of the premises.
While security agencies have remained silent on the issue, sources suggest the blockade may be connected to the scheduled installment of Munir Sanusi as the District Head of Bichi or a planned discussion on the controversial tax reform bills.
The Kano State Government hascriticizedd the Federal Government for the incident, accusing security agencies of overstepping their bounds.
Despite the uncertainty, Emir Sanusi II reassured the delegation that the installment ceremony for the new District Head would proceed as planned on another date.
“I assure you that another day will be fixed, and your District Head will surely be brought to you. Everything will take place peacefully,” he said.
The Emir also called on the people of Bichi to remain calm and continue fostering peace.
“Go and inform the public to remain peaceful and prayerful. Whatever the situation, peace,e, and prayer will surely take us to the end of the tunnel. Whenever you see a person trying to breach the peace being enjoyed by the public, you don’t become part of it,” he added.
The Emir reminisced about his connection to Bichi, describing it as his “second home.”
He shared memories of spending long vacations in the town during his school years, underscoring his affinity for the area.
“I know nowhere more than Bichi. Maybe some of you might be aware of this if they have had the opportunity to deal or relate with my late uncle, Wambai Abubakar. While growing up, whenever there was a long vacation every year, I visited Azare, where I spent a month, then Bichi for twenty days, and Dawakin Tofa for ten days. This was how I spent my long vacation throughout the time I was in school.
“It is obvious that any town you visit to spend twenty days every year is indeed another home. I know the people of Bichi and their peace-loving nature. They are a land of educated persons with good religious ideology,” the Emir said.
The delegation from Bichi, led by Hamza Sule Maifata, Chairman of the Local Government; Mallam Lawan Abubakar, Chief Imam of Bichi; and Mallam Isyaka Bichi, Chairman of the Elders Forum, reaffirmed their loyalty to the Emirate.
They expressed gratitude for the appointment of Munir Sanusi and assured the Emirate of the people’s readiness to warmly receive their new District Head.