The Emir of Kano and Khalifah of Tijaniyya, His Highness Khalifah Muhammadu Sanusi II, has reacted to the recent ban imposed on the Sallah Durbar, admitting that the action has become necessary for the enduring peace and development of the state.
Emir Sanusi also declared that the annual traditional heritage, usually celebrated at the end of Ramadan, is not a matter of life and death but a cultural symbol dating back to the 15th century.
However, he emphasized 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 of utmost importance to him.
The first-class Emir of Kano described peace as the backbone of progress and development in any society. He agreed to withdraw all planned activities of the emirate intended for the colorful Durbar, which has been inscribed by UNESCO as an intangible heritage of humanity.
Emir Sanusi, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), made these remarks while hosting eminent Islamic scholars and prominent personalities at an Iftar dinner at the palace.
ALSO READ: CAN celebrates Eid-el-Fitr with Muslims
It will be recalled that the Commissioner of Police in Kano, CP Adamu Bakori, under a joint security apparatus, announced the ban on the proposed Sallah Durbar, citing an impending security threat revealed by intelligence reports.
The Emir therefore appealed to residents and the general public to remain peaceful and law-abiding while cooperating with security agencies to ensure law and order during and after the Sallah festival.
Meanwhile, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Faruq, applauded the Emir for his spirit of love and kindness.
He recalled experiencing the Emir’s kindness when he was a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in the early 1980s, where Sanusi guided and supported students, including himself.
The SSG expressed gratitude to the Emir for showing concern for the lives of Kano citizens by willingly canceling the Eid El-Fitr Durbar celebration.
Similarly, the Murshid (Chief Imam) of the National Mosque, Professor Shehu Galadanci, expressed deep appreciation to Emir Sanusi for exhibiting profound wisdom and knowledge as the leader of the emirate.
Professor Galadanci, who is also a former National Security Adviser, aligned with the Emir’s position and emphasized that the lives and properties of Kano residents are more important than the Eid El-Fitr Durbar celebration.
He commended Emir Sanusi for his commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence in Kano.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE