Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, on Saturday reaffirmed Muhammadu Sanusi II as the only recognised Emir of Kano, insisting that those installed “from outside the state” lack legitimacy.
Speaking at the fourth convocation ceremony of Skyline University of Nigeria in Kano, the former governor said the people of Kano and the state government have accepted only Sanusi as emir, dismissing rival claimants as impostors.
Kwankwaso commended the institution for its steady growth and commitment to academic excellence, noting with delight that over 60 per cent of the graduating students were women. He urged male students to take their studies more seriously to avoid being overtaken by their female counterparts.
“Sanusi is the only emir in Kano who has been recognised by the people and the government,” he declared.
Turning to national issues, Kwankwaso raised concerns over rising insecurity across the North, warning that terrorist elements were infiltrating Kano through border communities such as Tsanyawa, Shanono, Gwarzo and Karaye.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action, saying the failure to secure lives and property casts doubt on the effectiveness of the nation’s leadership.
“If a government cannot protect lives and property within its borders, then that government must sit down and think again,” he said, noting that insecurity that began in Zamfara has spread across Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna and now threatens Kano and Jigawa.
Kwankwaso recalled the significant investments his administration made in security and called on the federal government to intensify efforts to safeguard citizens.
In his remarks, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who is the Chancellor of Skyline University, urged graduates to embrace integrity, innovation and service, stressing that education is meaningful only when it contributes to the progress of society.
“Knowledge without action is like a lamp without oil — bright in theory but powerless in the dark,” he said.
Sanusi applauded the university’s progress and the high number of female graduates, expressing hope that it would inspire greater women’s participation in governance and other key sectors.
