The Kano State Government has accused the Federal Government of involvement in the blockade of the Kano Emir’s palace on Friday,Daily Trust reports.
Armed police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly sealed off the palace entrance, creating tension in the area.
Reports indicate that Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was scheduled to address economists regarding the controversies surrounding the tax reform bills before the National Assembly. Additionally, he was set to accompany his newly appointed district head, Munir Sanusi, to Bichi.
During the blockade, the emir was holding court in the outer palace. Despite the situation, he later led the Friday congregational prayer at the Kano Central Mosque outside the palace.
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Reacting to the incident, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government, expressed outrage and blamed the Federal Government. Speaking on a local radio station, Bichi said:
“We were shocked to wake up and see the police sealing the entrance to the palace of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.
“What’s most surprising is that Kano is peaceful, but a few individuals with backing from Abuja seem intent on creating instability here.
“The emir was to escort the district head of Bichi, Wamban Kano, for prayers and return afterward. We were all prepared for the event, only to face this unexpected development. When we inquired about the reason, we were told the directive came from ‘above.’ And who is ‘above’? The Federal Government.
“We in Kano are committed to peace. No one will come here and disrupt that. The emir’s appointment of the district head stands. He will proceed with his duties, and we will support him fully. There is no going back.”
