- The Kano State Government blames the Federal Government for the blockade of the Emir’s Palace, causing tension in the area
- Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Baffa Bichi criticizes the blockade, asserting it disrupts peace and undermines traditional institutions
The Kano State Government has blamed the Federal Government for security operatives’ blockade of the Kano Emir’s Palace on Friday.
Armed police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly sealed the palace entrance, creating tension in the area.
The incident occurred as Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was scheduled to address a group of economists on controversies surrounding the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.
He was also set to accompany his newly appointed district head, Munir Sanusi, to Bichi.
Despite the blockade, Emir Sanusi held court at the outer palace and later led the Friday congregational prayer at the Kano Central Mosque outside the palace.
Reacting to the development, the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, criticized the Federal Government during a local radio interview, accusing it of attempting to destabilize the peace in Kano.
“We were really surprised waking up to this development with police sealing off the entrance to the palace of Kano Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II,” Bichi stated.
He added, “What surprises us the most is that Kano is peaceful, but a few people with backing from Abuja don’t want Kano to remain so.
“The emir was to escort his district head of Bichi, Wamban Kano, pray with him there, and then return. We were all invited, but we woke up to this. When we inquired, they told us it was an order given to them from above. Who is above? It’s the Federal Government.”
Bichi reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to maintaining peace in Kano and insisted that the emir’s decision to appoint a district head remains valid.
“We in Kano have resolved to stay in peace. Peace will reign, and nobody will come to Kano and destabilize it. The emir has appointed the district head, and it stands. He will take him to his place, and whenever he is ready, we are going there with him—no going back,” Bichi declared.