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Tag: sanusi

  • Ganduje has no right to detain Sanusi – Apostle Johnson Suleman

    Outspoken General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman has reacted to the dethronement and subsequent detention of former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi.

    Suleman said though the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje has the powers to depose Sanusi, but has “no right to detain” the former Emir.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that the Ganduje-led state government had deposed Sanusi as Emir of Kano for what it termed disrespect of authorities.

     

    Following his dethronement, Kano government had named one of the sons of late Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Fulani Emir of the state.

     

    Sanusi, the former Central Bank Governor was banished from Kano to a town in Nasarawa State.

     

    Reacting, Apostle Suleman in a tweet, insisted that disrespecting a governor was not a criminal offence.

     

    I can understand the dethronment of the former emir of kano.what I dont understand is the detention.over what?a governor has right to depose a traditional ruler but has no right to detain anyone who has not committed an offence.disrespecting a governor is not a criminal offence.

    — Apst Johnson Suleman (@APOSTLESULEMAN) March 10, 2020

    He wrote: “I can understand the dethronement of the former emir of kano.

    “What I don’t understand is the detention, over what? A governor has right to depose a traditional ruler but has no right to detain anyone who has not committed an offence. Disrespecting a governor is not a criminal offence.”

     

  • We didn’t send Sanusi away from Kano – AG

    We didn’t send Sanusi away from Kano – AG

    The Attorney-General of Kano State, Ibrahim Muktar, has averred that the state government did not banish the deposed Emir, Muhammad Sanusi II.

    Muktar said the state government was clear in its press statement on Monday that Sanusi was overthrown but never made any reference to any banishment.

    The Kano AG made this known on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Wednesday.

    He said, “If you listen to the Secretary to the State Government when he was addressing the press on the issue of the removal of the emir from office, there was nowhere he stated that the emir was banished from Kano State.

    “So, the decision of the government when the emir was removed on Monday was that he was removed from office and a new one appointed. The issue of banishment was not part of the decision of the Kano State Government.

    “We have been hearing from the media that he has been banished but what I know is that he was taken out of Kano State but banishment was not part of our decision. There is no such decision to the best of my knowledge.”

    Muktar added that security agents decided to take Sanusi away from Kano State due to intelligence reports they had.

    He said it was normal practice for deposed emirs to be moved away to maintain peace in the state, adding that such an action was not in violation of the constitution which guarantees freedom of movement.

    The AG further noted that Sanusi was not removed because of the corruption probe but strictly because of rebelliousness.

    He said, “The state government has not taken the law into its hands. Let me explain that the decision to remove the emir from office is administrative and was not based on the issues pending before the court. All the issues pending before the court have not to do with the removal of the emir or the dethronement.”

    Asked if the anti-corruption agency in Kano would continue with Sanusi’s probe, Muktar responded, “No decision on that actually. I cannot pre-empt the position of the government on whether investigation will stop or will continue. I cannot say as of now.”

    TheNewsGuru reports that Sanusi has been in Nasarawa State since he was deposed on Monday and has been denied access to visitors, according to his legal representatives.

     

  • Graça Machel, Mandela’s wife, sympathises with ousted Emir Sanusi

    Graça Machel, Mandela’s wife, sympathises with ousted Emir Sanusi

    Graça Machel, wife of Late Nelson Mandela and the founder of Graça Machel Trust Foundation, has advised the deposed Kano ruler, Muhammed Sanusi, to stay strong.

    It was gathered that Mr Sanusi is among the Board of Trustees of the humanitarian foundation.

    Mrs Machel’s letter, which a copy was obtained by TheNEwsGuru (TNG), was sent to Mr Sanusi on Tuesday.

    “I am deeply saddened to learn of you being relieved of your official duties as Emir of Kano and held by government authorities. I am sending you this message of solidarity in the hopes that it provides you, in some small measure, with reassurance and a degree of comfort that you are not alone in your valiant struggles to confront corruption and the social ills burdening Northern Nigeria.”


    “Your influential voice-as a man, as a traditional leader, and as a religious authority in challenging the status quo is sorely needed not only in Nigeria, but throughout Africa. You are a old inspiration for leaders to hold themselves to account and well-being of all citizens under their watch; especially women and children.”

    “Your Highness, we hold you in very high regard, and count on your knowledge, expertise, experience and wisdom to continue to lift the continent to higher heights. We proudly count you among the Graça Machel Trust’s International Board of Advisors and stand with you in your courageous efforts to speak truth to power. We are here for you should you feel there is something we can do to assist during this challenging time.”

    “Your convictions are powerful ones that ring loudly in the hearts and minds of all those who value human dignity and equality- and the causes you are fighting so steadfastly for cannot be silenced.”

    “Rest assured that critics of progressive thinking and action find themselves on the wrong side of history. Please remain strong and resilient. We are praying for your safety and your freedom,” the letter read in parts.

  • Barely 24hrs after removal, El-Rufai damns Ganduje appoints Sanusi board member

    Barely 24hrs after removal, El-Rufai damns Ganduje appoints Sanusi board member

    The Kaduna State Government has appointed deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, into the board of the state Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA), about 24 hours after his removal.

    A statement from the Governor’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, on Tuesday, said that “the appointment is part of the reconstitution of the board of KADIPA, which is statutorily chaired by the Deputy Governor, and has as internal members, other senior officials of the Kaduna State Government.”

    The statement added that “Kaduna State hopes to benefit from the profile, experience, intellect and networks of His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi, who before becoming Emir, had built a solid reputation in global financial circles.

    “Malam Nasir El-Rufai said that Kaduna State is honoured to be able to call on the services of a man of such calibre to drive its development,’’ the statement added in parts.

    According to the statement, Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, will chair the board, while His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II will be Vice-Chairman.

    Other members of the board include Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Jimi Lawal, Senior Adviser and Counsellor and Aisha Dikko, the Attorney General of Kaduna State.

    The KADIPA board also includes the Head of Service, Hajiya Bariatu Yusuf Mohammed, Commissioner of Business, Innovation and Technology, Idris Nyam, Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development, Fausat Ibikunle and Commissioner, Planning and Budget Commission, Thomas Gyang.

    Other board members are the Director-General of Kaduna Geographic Information System (KADGIS), Altine Jibrin, Muhammad Hafiz Bayero, the Managing Director of Kaduna Market Development and Management Company, Farida Dankaka and Umma Aboki, the Executive Secretary of KADIPA.

    “The Governor also said that he is confident that the new board, which contains the most senior officers of the state will further propel KADIPA to greater success in attracting investments to Kaduna State,” the statement read in part.

    It also disclosed that the government carefully chose the external members to further reinforce the investment credentials of the state.

    “El-Rufai has expressed his gratitude to members of the reconstituted board of KADIPA for agreeing to serve”.

  • JUST IN: Emir Sanusi moved to another town

    Exiled deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi will no longer go to Loko as he has been moved to another town in Nasarawa state. His new abode is Awe, capital of Awe local government.

    Loko, a town on the bank of River Benue, was ruled out as it is said to be far from the capital. It is part of Nasarawa LGA.

    Reports said he was flown in a helicopter to his new abode today from Lafia, capital of the state, less than 24 hours after he was ejected from Kano palace and began his exile journey via Abuja.

    From reports, the deposed Emir never even got to Loko, before the Nasarawa State Government decided to change his exiled place from Loko to Awe.

    A report published in Daily Trust, claimed certain influential Nigerians like the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd) were personally met Governor Abdullahi Sule and requested for a change of location.

    The newspaper said quoting a source said, “Others who called the governor were Alhaji Aliko Dangote and General Aliyu Gusau amongst others,”the source said.

    “Actually, the deposed emir was scheduled to be exiled from Kano to Opanda town in Toto Local Government but there was a change of decision at the last minute.”

  • Governors have power to dethrone traditional rulers – Presidency

    The presidency on Tuesday said governors in the country have the power to remove any traditional rulers in their states.

    This follows the removal of the the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje on Monday.

    The presidency, while reacting to the removal of Sanusi said there should not be hues and cries over his removal.

    Tolu Ogunlesi, Special Assistant to the President on New Media said a sitting Governor could dethrone anybody as they have the power to do so in line with the constitution.

    ”That’s the way the system is set up. Nobody is above being dethroned. Governors formally appoint them, present them staffs of office, fund their offices. Whether this should be so is another matter entirely.

    ”You people saw how Wike paraded Rivers Traditional Rulers recently and addressed them like a kindergarten class. That’s the power a Governor has over royal institutions. Every Governor. It actually didn’t start today, has been so for a long long time,” he said.

    On banishment, he said this “is a different matter entirely. At least one Court has ruled that it does violate the Constitution – in the case between HRH Mustapha Jokolo, (deposed and banished from Gwandu Emirate by the Gov of Kebbi in June 2005) and the Govt of Kebbi.”

  • Dethroned Emir Sanusi arrives in Loko

    Dethroned Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi, has arrived Loko, a town in Nasarawa State, to which he was banished, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports.

    A NAN correspondent reports that the dethroned monarch arrived his new abode around 3 a.m. Tuesday morning.

    Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Sabo, the traditional ruler of Loko, who confirmed the development, said that Sanusi arrived his palace “around 3 a.m. on March 10″.

    The first class traditional ruler, however, said that the press would not be allowed to interview the dethroned emir.

    “Yes, Emir Sanusi is in my palace. He arrived this morning around 3 a.m., but no one will be allowed to speak with him,” he said.

    NAN recalls that the Kano State Government dethroned Sanusi on Tuesday, March 9.

    The government hinged its action on the former CBN governor’s “outright disregard for the state government and Kano Emirate’s traditional norms”.

  • BREAKING: Sanusi Speaks After Dethronement As Kano Emir, Calls It An Act Of Destiny

    BREAKING: Sanusi Speaks After Dethronement As Kano Emir, Calls It An Act Of Destiny

    The dethroned Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, has made his first official reaction to his removal from office on Monday.

    Mr Sanusi was deposed following a resolution of the Kano State Executive Council on March 9, on allegations of insubordination.

    The Secretary to the Kano State Government, Usman Alhaji, who addressed journalists at the end of the emergency council meeting said the action was based on the governor’s powers under the state’s Emirates Law 2019.

    A son of late Ado Bayero who was Mr Sanusi’s predecessor, Aminu Bayero, was immediately announced as the new emir with the endorsement of the four Kano kingmakers.

    In the video message, which was obtained by an online news platform Premium Times, Mr Sanusi accepted his dethronement as an act of destiny.

    “With almost six years on this throne and (in charge of) our heritage. Today, the Almighty Allah, who gave me the leadership has destined to take it back,” Mr Sanusi said.

    “As I always say, leadership has predetermined tenure, the days Allah destined are numbered. When the days come to an end one must leave.

    “We have accepted whatever Allah decides. We have agreed. We appreciate (God). We are happy and we know it is what is best for us.”

    The video appeared to have been recorded at the Kano Palace on Monday before Mr Sanusi was whisked away into exile by security personnel.

    Towards the end of the video, the blaring of a siren could be heard signaling the arrival of the police commissioner who led the operation.

    The deposed emir called on all titleholders and palace officials to support whoever emerged as the emir.

    “We enjoin everyone to remain peaceful. We have directed our family, our children and those that support us that whoever gets it and is endorsed by the people they should pay allegiance to him.

    “They should follow him (the new emir). They should guard his honour and dignity because that is also the honour and dignity of this palace.”

    In affirming his ties to his grandfather who was deposed in a similar way in 1963, Mr Sanusi expressed happiness for practicing his reign in accordance with that of Emir Sanusi I.

    “It is a thing of pride that made us rule and end in the same fashion as Halifa,” he said using his grandfather’s sobriquet.

    Mr Sanusi expressed his thanks to the people of Kano, titleholders, lieutenants, and friends for their support and affection during his reign.

  • Sanusi’s dethronement, banishment, restriction illegal, Falana tackles Ganduje

    Sanusi’s dethronement, banishment, restriction illegal, Falana tackles Ganduje

    Human rights lawyer and advocate, Femi Falana, SAN on Tuesday said the decision of the Kano State Executive Council presided over by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to try, dethrone, banish and restrict the former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi on Monday without a fair hearing was illegal.

    Recall that the Kano State Government announced the dethronement of the embattled emir to the surprise of many. He (Sanusi) has since been replaced by Aminu Ado Bayero.

    Reacting to the developments, Falana in a statement said the fundamental rights of the former emir to personal liberty and freedom of movement guaranteed in the constitution has been violated by the state government.

    Read full statement below:

    SANUSI’S DETHRONEMENT, BANISHMENT, RESTRICTION OF MOVEMENT AND DETENTION ARE ILLEGAL

    Yesterday, the Kano state government held an executive council meeting presided over by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. At the said meeting the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was accused of having disrespected the Governor by not attending official meetings and displaying utter disdain for constituted authority.
    And without giving the Emir any opportunity to react to the allegations the executive council tried him, found him guilty and announced his removal from the throne. Apart from deposing the Emir without affording him the opportunity to defend himself Governor Ganduje was the accuser, the prosecutor, witness and judge at the inquisition which lasted for about 5 minutes. At the end of the inquisition the accused was convicted and sentenced to dethronement. As if the reckless violations of the Emir’s right to fair hearing were not sufficient Governor Ganduje proceeded to order the indefinite restriction of the deposed Emir’s movement and indefinite detention at Loko, Nasarawa State.

    Thus, the fundamental rights of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to personal liberty and freedom of movement guaranteed by sections 35 and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and article 6 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement Act Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 have also been violated. Since the Kano state government lacks the power to abrogate the fundamental rights of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi without following a procedure permitted by law his banishment and detention in Nasarawa State are illegal in every material particular.

    At the time the British colonial regime engaged in the dethronement, banishment, restriction of movement and detention of traditional rulers who opposed the looting of the resources of the colonial territory of Nigeria the fundamental rights of all colonial subjects were not recognised in spite of the much touted Magna Carta. Hence, some of the traditional rulers who were deposed and banished to remote islands abroad where they were killed. The Britain colonial regime got away with such atrocities because colonial powers at the material time operated outside the ambit of law and civilised standards. But under the current democratic dispensation in Nigeria no state government has the power to remove a traditional ruler and subject him to banishment and detention without following due process. Therefore, the Kano State Government should release Sanusi forthwith and allow him to contest his removal from the throne if he so desires.

     

  • Kano Emirate: 10 quick facts about Sanusi’s successor, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero

    Kano Emirate: 10 quick facts about Sanusi’s successor, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero

    With the dethronement of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, by the Kano State Government on Monday, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero was announced as the new Emir of the ancient city.

    Not many people know who Bayero is. Here are some quick facts about the new emir’s background, achievements, others;

    • The new Emir was born in 1961 and he is the 15th Emir of Kano from the Fulani Sullubawa clan.
    • Bayero is from Kano State and is the second son of Ado Bayero, the 13th Emir of Kano.
    • The new monarch attended Kofar Kudu Primary School and preceded to Government Secondary School, Birnin Kudu.
    • He studied Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano and also went to Flying College, Oakland, California, US, before undergoing his National Youth Service Corps at the Nigeria Television Authority, Makurdi.
    • Bayero worked as a Public Relations officer at Kabo Air, before becoming a flight engineer.
    • In 1990, he was appointed Dan Majen Kano and district head of Dala by his father, Ado Bayero, before being promoted to Dan Buram Kano in October of the same year.
    • In 1992, he was promoted to Turakin Kano and to Sarkin Dawakin Tsakar Gida Kano in 2000.
    • He also served as the chairman of the Kano Emirate Durbar Committee.
    • In 2014, the former emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, promoted him to Wamban Kano, thereby, transferring him from Dala to Kano Municipal where he succeeded Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Tijani Hashim as the district head.
    • In 2019, he was appointed emir of Bichi by the governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje.