By Abba Bala Ibrahim
I read with astonishment, the invitation by the Nigeria Police Force to the 16th Emir of Kano, Khalifa Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II.
The official letter dated April 4, 2025, and signed by CP Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, Commissioner of Police (Operations) which was sent to the Emir, stated that the invitation was made under the directive of the Inspector General of Police. It requested the Emir, to report to the Force Intelligence Department headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, by 10:00 a.m. for questioning.
Can this type of invitation be formally extended to any Oba of Yorubaland, the Benin Kingdom, the Niger Delta Chief, or Igwe in Igbo land?
From the prism of rational thinking, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu might find it difficult to do that and your guess is as good as mine.
While it is difficult to logically understand the objective behind this formal invitation of the Nigeria Police Force to Khalifa Malam Muhammad Sanusi II, the motive behind it might not be farfetched. Just to destroy the revered Traditional Institutions in the North.
Just before the commencement of Eid-El-Fitr festivities in Kano last week, the State Police Command had issued a statement banning Sallah Durbar celebration. They hinged their decision on security threats which may lead to breakdown of law and order, should both the incumbent Emir, Khalifa Malam Muhammad Sanusi ll and the deposed Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero hold Sallah Durbar the same day, hence, allowing that to happen might be a recipe for chaos and breakdown of peace in the State. Good reason.
READ ALSO: Sallah Clash: Police Withdraw Invitation To Emir Sanusi, Vows Neutral Investigation
For those who know how Sallah is being celebrated in Kano, there was no Durbar held during the just concluded Eid celebrations. What took place then was the normal traditional practice where the Emir in company of the palace guards leave the Palace through Kofar Kwaru enroute the Eid prayer ground at Kofar Mata and traditionally changes route through Kofar Wambai back to his palace. In Islamic tradition, a Muslim is enjoined to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, that enjoins taking a different route from the one followed while going to the prayer ground and on returning home.
The Emir’s procession just complied with the Islamic tradition, as his entourage was limited to the palace guards and officials who adheres to the simple practice of the Islamic tradition, contrary to the Durbar that involves district heads and other traditional aristocrats in a colourful outing.
The question, is the Federal Government now using the instrumentality of the Police to come from behind and unleash coercion on the sanctity on Kano Traditional institution and by extension, the Northern Nigeria?
While the Kano state command of the Nigeria Police Force deserve commendation for their swift action in making arrests on the frontal attack on the Emir, which is an important step toward uncovering the full extent of the individuals and networks behind these destructive activities, one wonders why conflicting statements on the preliminary report and the latest interference of the Police headquarters was extended to the Emir.
READ ALSO: Just In: Police Summon Emir Sanusi To Force Headquarters Abuja
Constitutionally, it is within the purview of the Nigeria Police Force to impose ban or cancel any event that can cause possible breach of law and order. But, the nation will be closely watching the import behind the move. To cause chaos and have another Rivers State scenario, or it is an attempt to destroy the sanctity of the revered traditional heritage?
As one writer rightly observed, “President Tinubu has swallowed the Devil. He was weaned from the furnace of a heartless street”.
As the destruction of democracy has apparently commenced with his attack on Rivers State, may the destruction of revered traditional heritage never commence with the invitation of the Emir of Kano Khalifa Malam Muhammad Sanusi ll.
Let whoever matters in the North rise up and defend the sanctity of the institution. The Emir is the symbol of the institution and attack on him is just an attack on the institution.
Bala is public affairs analyst, writes from Kano.