NEWS Thousands throng Kaduna streets as Sanusi visits el-rufai
Thousands of supporters yesterday thronged major roads in Kaduna to welcome the deposed emir of Kano and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Muhammadu Sanusi.
In his first outing since he relocated to Lagos after he was deposed as emir in March, Sanusi’s arrival caused gridlock at major roads including Kawo, Ali Akilu, and Ahmadu Bello Way, as youths trooped out in vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles, blasting Hausa musical renditions and escorted his motorcade to the state
Government House.
Sanusi, who was on a working visit, was billed to spend a week in Kaduna as he takes up the role of Chancellor, Kaduna State University (KASU) and Vice-Chairman of Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA).
Governor Nasir El-Rufai had offered the two appointments to the former emir less than 24 hours after his dethronement on March 9.
The former emir, who visited the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House yesterday, said he will be meeting with the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, who serves as chairman of KADIPA board, as well as other stakeholders in KASU.
“As the world knows, whenever I am in need of friends, you are the first to show up and the whole world was a witness to how when I needed a friend you were there. So, I made up my mind in Lagos that In Shaa Allah (by God’s Grace), the day I step out of Lagos, you will be the first person I will visit. I visit you to thank you for your friendship, to thank you for your service to the state,” he said to Governor El-Rufai at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House.
The former emir assured of his support to the governor to ensure that Kaduna State continues to take its place as the leading investment destination in the country.
On his part, Governor ElRufai said he was happy to receive his friend and brother who will be spending a week in Kaduna, adding that the former emir will be briefed on the activities of KADIPA and also interact with all the agencies working to attract investment to the state.
“Kaduna State is lucky to have him as the Vice Chairman of the state investment promotion agency because of his wide global network. May God continue to uplift him and give him good health,” he said.
it would be recalled that Muhammadu Sanusi II was enthroned as the 14th Emir of Kano on June 8, 2014, following the death of Emir Ado Bayero. He was however deposed by the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on March 9, 2020, for alleged ‘insubordination’ to authorities.
Sanusi was then banished to Loko in Nasarawa State before he was allowed to proceed to Awe in the same state where he spent three days before a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered that he should be released from detention.
Governor El-Rufai was among the first callers to the deposed emir while in exile in Awe. He also returned with Sanusi to Abuja where the former emir boarded a plane to Lagos.