Ex-CBN Governor Enthroned As New Emir of Kano

Watched by a large crowd of admirers and top personalities who converged on the ancient city of Kano, the Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Saturday presented the staff of office to the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Immediately, the Emir pledged to ensure that justice prevails inhis domain during his reign, even as he will be fair to all.

Sanusi was appointed the 14th Emir of Kano on June 8, 2014 after the death of Alhaji Ado Bayero, on June 6, 2014.

At the ceremony held at the newly constructed Coronation Hall at the Government House, Kwankwaso described the Emir as a “knowledgeable person who acquired both the Islamic and western education”.

He said that Sanusi’s appointment was based on his personal track record of service and education, which are the prerequisites, especially at this time.

“This occasion is a unique one for me personally as I present this staff of office to Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi as the 14th Emir of Kano.

“Above all, he is heir apparent of the throne, who has distinguished himself as an outstanding religious scholar that is quite conversant with our time,” he said.

Kwankwaso commended all personalities and dignitaries who came from far and near to grace the occasion.

Responding, Sanusi promised to ensure justice and fairness in the discharge of his responsibilities.

He also promised to discharge his duties with the fear of God and to treat the people equally in order to ensure peace, unity and economic growth and development of the emirate and the country.

“With the responsibility vested on me, I promise to ensure justice and fairness to all for the sustenance of peaceful coexistence,’’ he said.

The Emir said he would continue to protect the rights of his subjects and in addition give useful and meaningful advice to leaders in the state and the country.

“We will continue to protect the rights of our people and give other leaders useful and meaningful advice for the development of our state and the country.

“Today is not a day for long speeches, but a day of joy and thanks to the Almighty God,” he said.

He used the occasion to call on politicians to ensure peaceful elections in the country.

Sanusi urged district heads and other traditional rulers in the state to accord priority to issues of health, security, economy and education in their domains.

Among dignitaries, who attended the ceremony, were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar El-kanemi.

Others are: Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, as well as former Heads of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Major General Muhammadu Buhari.

Also in attendance were the governors of Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, Niger, Edo, Kwara and Borno, as well as Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu; business mogul, Aliko Dangote; members of the diplomatic corps and the business community.