Emir of Kano and Khalifah of Tijaniyya, His Highness, Khalifah Muhammadu Sanusi II, has reacted to the recent ban imposed on Sallah Durbar, noting that the action becomes pertinent for enduring peace and development of the state.
Besides, Emir Sanusi declared that the annual traditional heritage that usually celebrated at the end of Ramadan is not a matter of life and death but a cultural symbol dated back to the 15th century.
Sanusi, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was speaking while hosting eminent Islamic scholars and prominent personalities to Iftar dinner at the palace on Saturday.
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The first class emir of Kano described peace as the only backbone of progress and development of any society, accepted to withdraw all planned activities of the emirate intended for the colorful Durbar, inscribed by UNESCO an intangible heritage of humanity.
Recall that the Commissioner of Police in Kano, CP Adamu Bakori under a joint security apparatus announced the ban on the proposed Sallah Durbar, citing impending security threat revealed by relevant intelligent notice.
The Emir, however, reminded that he does not see the Eid El Fitr Durbar as “a matter of life and death”, adding that the lives and safety of Kano citizens are more paramount to him.
He, therefore, appealed to residents and the general public to remain peaceful and law abiding while cooperating with the security agencies to ensure law and order during and after the Sallah festival.
On his part, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Faruq, applauded the emir for his spirit of love and kindness. He stated that he experienced the Emir’s kindheartedness when was a lecturer at ABU in the early 1980s where he guided and supported them as his students.
The SSG expressed gratitude to the Emir for showing concern for the lives of Kano citizens, by his willingness to cancel the Eid El Fitr Durbar celebration.
Similarly, the Murshid (Chief Imam) of the National Mosque, Professor Shehu Ahmad Galadanci expressed deep appreciation to Emir Sanusi for exhibiting profound wisdom and knowledge as the leader of the Emirate.
Professor Galadanci also a former National Security Adviser aligned with the submission of the emir and emphasized that the lives and properties of people of Kano are more important than the Eid El Fitr Durbar celebration, applauding Sanusi for promoting peaceful coexistence in Kano.