The Kano State government has accused the Federal Government of orchestrating the siege being laid to the Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II’s palace by armed security operatives on Friday.
LEADERSHIP reports the incident saw heavily armed police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) barricade the palace entrance when the Emir was planning to leave the palace for a traditional event in Bichi local government area of the State.
Despite the blockade, Emir Sanusi led the Friday congregational prayer at the Kano Central Mosque, located outside the palace.
Speaking on a local radio programme, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as an attempt to disrupt 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 said. “What surprises us the most is that Kano is peaceful, but it’s just a few people with backing from Abuja that don’t want Kano to remain peaceful.”
Bichi explained that the 16th Emir of Kano had planned to escort the district head of Bichi (Wamban Kano), to his domain. The blockade, however, disrupted the royal schedule. According to Bichi, security personnel at the scene claimed they were acting on “orders from above,” which he linked to the Federal Government.
“The people of Kano will not continue to tolerate interference in our affairs, we are a peaceful people and the people of Bichi especially will not cause any unrest because a new head has been installed.”
“The Emir has appointed the district head, and it stands. Whenever the Emir is ready to go there, we will accompany him—no going back,” he declared.
The Federal Government was, however, yet to issue an official response, while the Kano State Police Command has also remained silent on the reasons behind the heightened security presence at the Emir’s Palace.