The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has declared that all efforts—both from within and outside the state—aimed at plunging Kano into crisis will not succeed.
Speaking during the traditional Sallah homage, Hawan Nassarawa, at the Government House, Sanusi said no force can shake the foundation of peace and dignity upon which Kano was built.
Reflecting on the recent unrest and the death of one of his palace guards—killed during the last Eid-el-Fitr by suspected thugs—the Emir expressed frustration over the lack of accountability. Despite confirming an arrest, the police have neither paraded the suspect nor provided updates on the investigation.
“We all saw what happened. My entourage was attacked. A palace guard was murdered in cold blood. But instead of prosecuting those responsible, I was summoned for questioning. Where is the suspect? Has he been released? Is the case buried? The people of Kano deserve answers,” Sanusi demanded.
On the controversial police ban of the Sallah Durbar, Sanusi remained undeterred. While acknowledging the disappointment, he said the restriction would not dim the spirit of the celebrations.
“If they stop us from riding horses, we will use cars. If they ban cars, we will walk. And if they try to silence us completely, we will still find a way to speak to the world—even from our homes,” the Emir declared with resolve.
Security authorities had earlier placed a total ban on Sallah Durbar processions, citing intelligence reports of planned disruptions by hoodlums. But the Emir believes the spirit of the festivity cannot be confined.
He also urged Kano youths to resist being manipulated by selfish actors bent on disrupting the peace, calling on them to instead channel their energy toward protecting their communities.
Emir Sanusi extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the 22 young athletes who died in a road crash after participating in the National Sports Festival.
He also sympathized with traders who lost their goods in the recent Farm Centre GSM Market fire.
In his remarks, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf—represented by Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam—called on citizens to remain vigilant, stay peaceful, and support the government’s efforts to maintain law and order.
He also advised residents to prepare for the rainy season by clearing drainages to avoid flood-related disasters.