The Kano State Government has accused the Federal Government of being behind the barricade of the palace of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, by security operatives on Thursday.
The Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, voiced these allegations during an interview on a local radio station, expressing shock over the incident.
“We were really surprised waking up to this development with police sealing off the entrance to the palace of Kano Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II,” Bichi said.
The unexpected blockade disrupted plans for the emir to escort the newly appointed district head of Bichi, Wamban Kano, for prayers and ceremonial activities.
“The emir was to escort his district head of Bichi, Wamban Kano, pray with him there, and then come back. We were all invited and then we woke up to this,” Bichi explained.
Bichi claimed the directive came from the Federal Government, describing the action as an attempt to destabilize the peaceful state.
“What surprises us the most is that Kano is peaceful, but it’s just a few people that have the backing of Abuja that don’t want Kano to be peaceful,” he said.
When questioned about the reasons behind the barricade, Bichi revealed, “We asked the reason, and they told us it was an order given to them from above. Who is there above? It’s the Federal Government.”
Despite the disruption, the state government vowed to proceed with its plans and maintain peace. “We in Kano have resolved to stay in peace; peace will reign, and nobody will come to Kano and destabilize that,” Bichi affirmed.
He also reiterated the Emir’s authority, stating, “The emir has appointed the district head, and it stands. He will take him to his place, and whenever he is ready to go there, we are going there with him—no going back.”
The development has drawn widespread attention, with many awaiting further clarification from relevant authorities.
