Kano Government Blames Federal Government for Emir’s Palace Barricade
The Kano State Government has accused the Federal Government of being responsible for the barricade of the palace of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, by security forces on Thursday.
“We were shocked to wake up to the news that the police had sealed off the entrance to the Emir’s palace,” said Bichi, a representative of the state government. He further alleged that the order to block access to the palace came directly from the Federal Government, adding, “What surprises us the most is that Kano is peaceful, yet some individuals with support from Abuja seem intent on disrupting this peace.”
The Emir had planned to accompany the newly appointed district head of Bichi, Wamban Kano, to his district for prayers and ceremonial events. “The Emir was scheduled to escort his district head, pray with him, and then return. We were all invited, and then we woke up to this situation,” Bichi explained.
When questioned about the reason for the barricade, Bichi was told that it was a directive from higher authorities. “We asked why the barricade was necessary, and they said it was an order from above. ‘Above’ refers to the Federal Government,” he stated.
Despite the disruption, the Kano State Government reaffirmed its commitment to proceeding with the planned events and maintaining peace in the state. “We in Kano are determined to keep the peace. Peace will prevail, and nobody will come to Kano and destabilize it,” Bichi declared.
He also reaffirmed that the Emir’s decision to appoint the district head is final. “The Emir has appointed the district head, and it stands. He will escort him to his district, and whenever the time is right, we will go with him. There will be no backing down,” Bichi concluded.
