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Tag: Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

  • Fed Govt: Economic reforms on course despite Sanusi’s doubt

    Fed Govt: Economic reforms on course despite Sanusi’s doubt

    • ‘Leaders should avoid partisan  undertones’

    The Federal Government yesterday said it did not need the Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s stamp of approval for its laudable policies.

    It insisted that its economic reforms were on course, urging Sanusi to tell the truth about the government’s bold economic progress despite his “shift in loyalty”.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, replied Sanusi, who, at a function in Lagos on Wednesday, wrote off the Tinubu Administration.

    The minister said there was no point for Sanusi to engage in divisive rhetoric because he “feels estranged from his friends in government.”

    Idris said: “The Federal Government notes the recent remarks by His Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, regarding the economic reforms introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, at a public event in Lagos.

    “We note the emir’s acknowledgement of the noble initiatives which, he said he could explain away but for his decision ‘not to help the government’. 

    “First, we acknowledge that Sanusi, and indeed any Nigerian, has the inalienable right to express an opinion either in the form of commendation or criticism on how the government is being run.

    “However, we find it amusing that a leader, more so one from an institution that ennobles forthrightness, fairness, and justice, would publicly admit to shuffling off saying the truth because of personal interest hinged on imaginary antagonism.”

    The minister said the nation is at a pivotal stage of transformative reforms, noting that some of the policies of the government were in line with what Sanusi had advocated.

    He added: “It is pertinent to state that Nigeria is at a pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges.

    “This administration has implemented transformative reforms, not because they are easy, but because they are essential for securing Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth, as Emir Sanusi had consistently advocated.

    “The temporary pains currently experienced from these inevitable decisions, as Sanusi himself acknowledged, are ‘necessary consequences of decades of irresponsible economic management, more than anything else.”

    Idris insisted that the government’s policies were yielding positive results.

    He said: “These reforms are already delivering measurable progress.

    “The unification of exchange rates has bolstered investor confidence, which has contributed to increased foreign reserves and strengthened Nigeria’s ability to shield itself from external economic shocks.

    Read Also: EFCC arraigns Otudeko, Ex-First Bank MD Onasanya Monday over alleged N12.3bn fraud

    “The removal of fuel subsidy has freed up significant resources, allowing for greater investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

    “Projections from respected institutions, including the World Bank, show an upward trajectory in Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), signaling that our economy is firmly on the path to recovery.

    “Additionally, by addressing inefficiencies, the country has reduced its debt service-to-revenue ratio, creating a more sustainable fiscal framework for future generations.”

    Idris took a swipe at Sanusi for his U-Turn on some of the policies of the government he had acknowledged in the past.

    “It is deeply disappointing that reforms widely recognised as essential by global experts, including Emir Sanusi II himself, are now being subtly condemned by him because of a shift in loyalty.

    “His Highness, given his background in economics, has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than undermine reforms aimed at collective progress because he feels estranged from his ‘friends’ in government.

    “We urge the Emir to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritise the greater good of Nigerians.”

    Idris urged citizens to have faith in the administration of President Tinubu, adding that what is needed is collaboration, not distractions.

    He said: “Rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders.

    “As a government, we urge esteemed leaders to refrain from rhetorics that undermine public trust.

    “Instead they owe it a duty to champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria.

    “This is a critical time for our country, what is needed is collaboration, not unnecessary distractions.”

  • Kano Emirate: Group commends Police, others for due process

    Kano Emirate: Group commends Police, others for due process

    The Northern Agenda (NA) has saluted the Police and other security agencies for pledging to adhere to the court order stopping the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano. 

    The group said the Police and others have demonstrated unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the judiciary in the Kano Emirate case. 

    Kano Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, during a joint security press conference, said security agencies will enforce the court order restraining the State Government from dissolving five newly created Emirates.

    In a statement signed by Alhaji Salisu Sabo, the group said the security agencies have demonstrated remarkable professionalism and dedication to their duties by complying with the court order. 

    Sabo said this solitary action has prevented potential unrest and violence, ensuring that the rights of all parties involved are protected and a recognition of the importance of the judiciary in our democratic system. 

    The group also reminded the governor that the judiciary which he wants to blackmail today stood by him and his questionable mandate as Governor of Kano State.

    “In a commendable display of professionalism and dedication to upholding the law, the Nigerian Police Force has pledged to comply with a court order halting the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido as Emir of Kano, despite the Kano State government’s initial disregard for the ruling. 

    “This move is a significant step forward in promoting the rule of law and democratic governance in Nigeria,” the statement said. 

    “The Kano Emirate case has been a subject of controversy, with various factions vying for power and control. However, the court’s decision to halt the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido as Emir of Kano was clear and unequivocal. Unfortunately, the Kano State government initially chose to ignore this ruling, threatening to undermine the authority of the judiciary and the rule of law.

    Read Also: Ulamas ask Tinubu to intervene in Kano Emirate stalemate

    “In this context, the Nigerian Police Force’s decision to comply with the court order is a breath of fresh air. By upholding the law and respecting the judiciary’s decision, the police have demonstrated a commitment to democratic values and the protection of human rights. This move also sends a strong message to all parties involved that the rule of law will be respected and enforced, regardless of political or personal interests.

    “The security agencies actions are particularly commendable given the sensitive nature of the case and the potential for unrest and violence. By prioritizing the maintenance of public order and safety, the police have ensured that the situation does not escalate further, and that the rights of all parties involved are protected.

    “This development is also a testament to the growing independence and assertiveness of the Nigerian judiciary. The court’s decision to halt the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido as Emir of Kano was a bold move, and the police’s compliance with the order demonstrates a recognition of the judiciary’s authority and impartiality.

    “We urge the police and other security agents to continue on this path and work towards building trust and confidence with the public. We also call on all parties involved in the case to respect the legal process and allow the courts to make decisions without interference or intimidation. 

    “The judiciary must be allowed to function independently and impartially, without fear or favour. Any attempt to undermine the judiciary or ignore court orders will undermine the rule of law and democratic governance in Nigeria,” he said. 

  • FG’s tough decisions only way to rescue 10 years mismanaged economy, says Sanusi

    FG’s tough decisions only way to rescue 10 years mismanaged economy, says Sanusi

    A former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Muhammadu Sanusi II, has applauded the Federal Government for taking tough decisions saying it is the only way to rescue the country’s 10 year’s mismanaged economy.

    Delivering his keynote speech at the second day of the Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit in Port Harcourt, Sanusi said the reform of any economy requires taking difficult decisions.

    He said such decisions might be painful and unpopular but were necessary to save the future of those experiencing the temporary hardship.

    Sanusi said politicians interested in reflections were always fond of running away from taking such difficult decisions and called on Nigerians to be realistic about their expectations.

    Insisting that there was no other way to salvage a decade of mismanaged economy apart from taking tough decisions, the former CBN boss advised the citizens to wait a little while to see the turnaround of the economy.

    Read Also; CBN sacks 200 staff in restructuring move

    Sanusi said: “At this momentum in our history when the country is desperate to chart a new course in economic thinking opting for a paradigm shift that seeks to harness our vast potential and propel us towards sustainable growth and prosperity, the decision to centre government around economic development and investment promotion is a very thoughtful and brave decision by the government of Rivers State.

     “This is more so because the reform of an economy whether of a state or a federation at large requires difficult decisions. It involves policies that may be painful and unpopular which don’t usually go down well with politicians who need a reelection.

     “But that is the only way to guarantee a better future for same people it will be hard upon. And at this point it is important for us as Nigerians to be realistic. The mismanagement of the last ten years will not be undone in six months or one year.

    “And we need to understand that some of the difficult decisions that are taken will take time to work through the economy. It will take a little while for us to see a turnaround. But those decisions are absolutely necessary in order to save the economy.

    “We always knew we have to go through this process if we did not change course. And we have seen this movie in Zimbabwe. We have seen it in Venezuela.

     “We have seen it in Argentina and it is a movie we do not want to be part of. I do hope that we will make this transition a short one and go back to economic growth. But it is the right thing to do.”

  • Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s audacity and the dearth of philosophical leadership

    Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s audacity and the dearth of philosophical leadership

    By Godswill Iyoha Iyoke

    The foregoing was part of the Press statement credited to Khalifa Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, a banker, an ethno-religious-Fulani leader, Islamic cleric, former Emir and ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. The said statement was in his reaction to the controversy trailing the relocation moves of some departments of the CBN to Lagos. Therein he alluded to the oppositions by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and one Okey Emelamah against the move to register Jaiz Bank, which he construed as noise. The ‘noise’ under reference is with respect to the reactions by a section of the public of which, CAN understandably was a loud opposition voice, against the promotion of sectional Islamic banking system by the apex bank. The CBN under Sanusi’s leadership had made a draft regulatory framework for the establishment of Islamic banking system, which had the following provisions, amongst others;

    –              Definition of a Non-Interest Financial Institution as a ‘bank or other financial institution under the purview of the CBN which transacts banking business, engages in trading, investment and commercial activities as well as the provision of financial products and services in accordance with Shariah principles and rules of Islamic commercial jurisprudence. This invariably precludes any other banking model. 

    –              Prohibition certain activities in the proposed non-interest banking system, based strictly on religious principles. The state institution as the CBN cannot implement or enforce such discriminatory policies.

    –              Provision that a Non-Interest Financial Institution shall state in its Memorandum and Articles of association that its business operations will be conducted in accordance with Sharia’h principles and practices. Thus, the CBN usurped the powers of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC); and amended the Companies And Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and its own establishment Act, by administrative regulatory fiat.

    –              Applications for NIFI licence to be evidenced by a technical agreement by its promoters with an established and reputable non-interest bank or financial institution; and restricting NIFI business models to 9 specified Islamic financial instruments and other Shariah compliant modes. Thus, exposing and subordinating our national financial and commercial systems and economy to the Sharia’h principles established Islamic states. 

    –              Prohibition of NIFIs from using common facilities in the sales or marketing of conventional and Shariah compliant products and services. This is a socially toxic act of segregation that is abhorrent to Nigerians’ constitutional right to free association.

    –              Mandates the establishment of internal Shariah compliance review mechanism and Shariah Advisory Council (SAC) as part of the governance structure of NIFIs. 

    –              Creation of a Shariah Council at the apex bank, to advise the CBN on the regulation and supervision of NIFIs and the subordination of the CBN to it.

    –              The subordination of certain provisions of BOFIA and to applicable accounting and audit standards to the provisions of the Shariah.

    The above so-called reforms were more about the institutionalization of the Sharia’h law by subtility and subordinating our laws and constitution to it.

    It is clear from the foregoing that the opposition was not against the registration of Jaiz Bank as a financial institution. Contrary to the Khalifa, the opposition was against the act of the apex Bank, a public institution and agency of the Nigerian state, in promoting a sectional religious banking system and establishing an Islamic legislative directorate in the CBN to supervise it. It is an act that is constitutionally prohibited and legislatively barred. It is inconsistent with the spirit and intent of section 10 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 43(1)(a) of the Banking & Other Financial Institutions Act of 1991 (BOFI), which Act provides thus;

    Read Also; Tinubu’s quest for living wage for Nigerian workers: 37 to the rescue

    “Except with the consent of the Governor, no bank shall as from the commencement of this Act, be registered or incorporated with a name which includes the words “Central”, “Federal”, “Federation”, “National”, “Nigeria”, “Reserve”, “State”, “Christian”, “Islamic”, “Moslem”, “Qur’anic” or “Biblical”.

    By section 10 of the Constitution which, prohibits the adoption of any religion by the state, a national institution as the CBN cannot justifiably promote any religious banking system as Sanusi did.

    Save for its sentimental religious appeal, Khalifa Sanusi cannot justify his acts in the subject respect. One therefore finds it hard to rationalize Sanusi’s charge of bigotry and noise against the very sensible objections to the offensive establishment of his choice sectional banking system, by a state institution which, is supposed to be neutral.

    While it is not constitutionally and legally permissible for the CBN to promote Islamic religious or other sectional banking system, it is not illegal or unconstitutional within the remit of individual rights or sectional interest. Contrary to popular notion, non-interest banking and its Islamic variant had existed prior to Sanusi’s appointment as Governor of the apex Bank. It isn’t a novelty, as the defunct Habib Nigeria Bank provided Sharia’h compliant financial services. The former Diamond Bank had ‘non-interest’ financial services. It is also erroneous and misleading to describe capitalized interest credit transactions, such as the Sharia’h-compliant financial services, as non-interest, simply because the chargeable interests are not compounded.

    Mindful of the state of our nation and the imperative for national cohesion, a more thoughtful or philosophical leader, would have considered socially harmonious banking reforms. Perhaps, because of religious sentiments and anxieties, most people could not think through to reason how inclusive banking reforms sought by the Khalifa could otherwise be implemented. Merchant bankers can effectively provide Sharia’h ‘non-interest’ financial services.    Considering

    By the way, there is no external posturing of Jaiz Bank that suggests that it is an Islamic Bank. It exists and operates as a full-fledged commercial bank. It is therefore uncharitable and utterly condemnable for the learned Khalifa to frame the very reasonable and patriotic objections to his action as noise. It is also disrespectful to Christians to treat the civilized dissent by the apex body of Christians as such. It is only juveniles or persons of unsound mind that engage in noise-making. The said statement by such an impressionable Islamic scholar as Sanusi, is not just misleading, but very uncharitable on account of its inherent inter-religious fuse. Worst still, when such a statement is based on misconceptions and outright misrepresentation of facts, for which Sanusi seems justified, based on the following assumptions;

    1.            That just like the CBN relocation moves, the promotion of the divisive, disintegrative and sectional banking system by the apex bank, is a noble and patriotic, as well as a legal and constitutional act;

    2.            That those who were opposed to the sectional Islamic banking initiative erroneously described as ‘Jaiz licensing’, were inspired by religious bigotry;

    3.            The oppositions in the foregoing respect were unreasonable. 

    On every material score, Khalifa Sanusi is an outstanding personality, a glowing star and leader within the dark socio-political firmament of the Nigerian state. He also enjoys the benefit of the gift of the garb. However, leadership is a sacred trust of which, those who enjoy the privileged benevolence of uncommon circumstances must utilize for common good. A personality such as, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi bears the extra burden of being circumspect and measured in his public utterances. From ethno-religious to socio-economic matters, he looms large in influence across the vast spectrum of the Nigerian society. To whom much is given, much is expected. Leaders are indebted to society and posterity, to say and engage only in acts that promote mutual understanding, social cohesion and national progress.

    For an ethno-religious plural and polarized society as Nigeria, Sanusi fell short of expectation with respect to his controversial banking reforms and the above triumphal utterance. There is nothing to be triumphal about over the introduction of a deceptive, divisive, disintegrative policy that lacks any apparent, ostensible or real altruistic value, either in its novelty, creativity, innovation or development quotient. The development of the Sharia’h-compliant non-‘interest banking’ system by Egyptian economics and the adoption by the Arab league, in the wake of the 1948 creation of the Zionist state of Israel, is understandable. It is time to work back acts that are based  on divisive sentiments.

    What Sanusi succeeded in doing, in the guise of inclusive banking reforms, is to raise Arabic or Islamic consciousness, nationally. Otherwise, his Islamic non-interest banking model can be accommodated under the existing non-interest banking regime as contemplated in the BOFI Act and practiced by some commercial banks prior to 2011. Arabic commercial concepts like Mudaraba, Sukuk are similar and adaptable to existing common law concepts like Higher Purchase, Credit Sales, Bonds etc. The Sharia laws with which he seeks to run the scheme is inconsistent with our Common law and Constitutional jurisprudence. While every society is living and dynamic and therefore subject to change, such changes must be inspired and motivated by the common good. Besides the motivational inspiration of his Islamic scholarship, it is hard to find other altruistic reason to justify the religious faith-inspired banking reforms.

    That he ignored the opposition, to proceed with the controversial banking system provides no room for the expression of triumphalism, as the Khalifa seeks to do, over the audacious insensitivity. He could do this because of the civility of the opposition and the dearth of philosophical leadership in emergent Nigerian society. What Nigeria needs at such historic season, as we are in, is the emergence of strategic thinkers as leaders. They are made up of creative, innovative and imaginative persons devoid of primordial sentiments. Such persons cannot be found amidst ethno-religious champions that seem to abound in places of power and influence.

  • CBN’s foray outside its core mandate

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has renewed financing activities outside of its core areas. Agriculture, education and health sectors have received generous aids, a development which does not sit well with some critics who expect it to stick to promoting a sound financial system, writes MUSTAPHA SUMAILA

     

    CBN initiatives

    • COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE CREDIT SCHEME
    • REAL SECTOR SUPPORT FACILITY (RSSF)
    • SME CREDIT GUARANTEE SCHEME (SMECGS)
    • SME RE-STRUCTURING AND REFINANCING FUND (SMERRF)
    • NIGERIA INCENTIVE-BASED RISK SHARING SYSTEM FOR AGRICULTURAL LENDING
    • POWER AND AIRLINE INTERVENTION FUND
    • NIGERIA ELECTRICITY MARKET STABILISATION FUND
    • ANCHOR BORROWERS

     

    SECTION 2 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act stipulates that the principal objectives of the bank shall be to ensure monetary and price stability, issue legal tender currency in Nigeria and promote a sound financial system.

    The section further states that the apex bank shall maintain external reserves to safeguard the international value of the legal tender currency, act as banker and provide economic and financial advice to the Federal Government.

    The CBN has, however, over the years, been directly or indirectly involved in the financing of growth-enhancing programmes and other projects of the Federal Government which are incidental to the bank’s core mandates.

    Some of these developments and corporate social responsibilities interventions by the bank have received accolades while some, public opprobrium.

    For instance, in 2012, the bank, under the leadership of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, (now Emir of Kano), came under criticism when it donated N100 million to victims of the Boko Haram menace in Kano.

    Critics of the action claimed it was illegal for the bank to engage in philanthropic activities outside its core and statutory mandate.

    One of the leading critics of the bank’s action, Mr Femi Falana (SAN). had called on the then President, Goodluck Jonathan, to sanction Sanusi.

    “From the law setting up the Central Bank of Nigeria, the diversion of public funds to assist victims of disasters is illegal in every material.

    “The management of the Central Bank cannot be allowed to continue to dissipate public funds under the pretext of carrying out any social responsibility outside the ambit of the law,” the human rights activist had said.

    However, when Sanusi was summoned by the then House of Representatives’ Committee on Banking and Currency, mandated to investigate the donations, he said it was legal.

    Sanusi argued that the apex bank had always intervened in the economic development of Nigeria, adding that the legal basis for the interventions in certain sectors of the economy were contained in Section 31 of the CBN Act 2007.

    Notwithstanding the legal justification or otherwise, stakeholders have commended the CBN for its initiatives and interventions encompassing real sector, agriculture, small and medium enterprises, infrastructure and youth empowerment.

    Some of the CBN initiatives undertaken by Sanusi’s successor, Mr Godwin Emefiele are Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme; Real Sector Support Facility (RSSF); SME Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS); SME Re-structuring and Refinancing Fund (SMERRF).

    Others are Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL); Power and Airline Intervention Fund (PAIF); Nigeria Electricity Market Stabilisation Fund (NEMSF); Anchor Borrowers, among others.

    The recent interventions by the bank in the education and health sectors have received accolades from stakeholders.

    Here, about N63 billion was committed by the apex bank into building Centres of Excellence in nine Federal Government-owned universities to enhance post-graduate studies in financial related courses.

    The CBN also planned to build diagnostic centres in the six geopolitical zones of the country and Abuja. The F.C.T. facility is expected to have both heart and cancer diagnostic centres.

    Inaugurating one of the centres of excellence at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria recently, CBN Governor Emefiele said the project was part of the apex bank’s intervention in education.

    He explained that the centres would be delivered in phases and the first phase, which comprised the University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Ibadan and ABU, Zaria had been completed and ready for the use by the institutions.

    He said the others, nearly completed, are those in University of Lagos, University of Port Harcourt, University of Jos, Bayero University, Kano and University of Maiduguri.

    Emefiele stressed that education and health were the bedrock of any nation’s development and there was the need to invest in them.

    He said the centres, with 500-capacity auditorium, ICT facilities and e-Library, could compete with any business school globally.

    Emefiele said when the centre became operational, programmes such as Forensic Accounting, Global Financial Market, Risk and Compliance Management would be offered at the centres.

    He assured the nation that the bank would get involved in the management of the facilities to forestall decay.

    The governor also disclosed that the bank would engage accounting specialists and practitioners working in central banks across the world to bring their wealth of experience to bear at the centres.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, at the ceremony, lauded CBN for supporting the Federal Government’s investments in the education sector as well as other key areas of the economy.

    Buhari also tasked the apex bank to extend such funding support to researches in the tertiary institutions.

    “It is no longer a secret that the state of facilities in our universities and other higher institutions of learning can no longer meet up with the requirements of our ever growing students popuations.

    “This is largely due to perennial challenges over the years and my government is committed to tackle the challenges,” he said.

    The Vice Chancellor, ABU, Zaria, one of the beneficiary universities, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, commended CBN for the gesture.

    He said the donation of the centre was the highest intervention the university had ever received and that it would enhance academic learning, especially at the post-graduate level.

    Garba said the centre would afford the university the opportunity to establish a Business School to offer Economics, Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration and Statistics at post-graduate levels.

    The CBN boss also disclosed his plan to build seven diagnostic centres in the six geo-political zones of the country and Abuja.

    “If we have funds, the projects are expected to commence by 2020 and ready by 2024,” he said.

    Emefiele said the intervention would help to reduce capital flight and brain drain in the health sector.

    “The centres will be done in a way that a referral will come from teaching and private hospitals and those coming to access care at the centres will be paying to generate revenue.

    “In that case, the centres will be able to fund and manage themselves without CBN interference,” he explained.

    Mrs. Zainab Abubakar, an economist with the Federal University, Dutse in Jigawa, commended CBN for the interventions and described education and health as critical sectors that needed such assistance.

    Abubakar explained that there must be healthy people in the country for optimal efficiency and productivity.

    Like Abubakar, stakeholders believe that the CBN’s interventions in the two critical sectors would spur development and innovation.

     

    • Sumaila is of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

  • Ekiti appoints Emir Sanusi as EKSU Chancellor

    Ekiti state government has appointed the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as the Chancellor of the state-owned Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti.

    The Head, Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs in the institution, Mr Bode Olofinmuagun, on Monday confirmed the development to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Ado Ekiti, but did not give details.

    The traditional ruler replaces the Alara of Aramoko Ekiti, Oba Adegoke Olu Adeyemi who held the office for four years during the last administration of former Gov. Ayo Fayose.

    NAN learnt that consequent upon Sanusi’s appointment, management of the institution had paid homage to the Emir in his palace in Kano.

    Read Also: We have no grudge against Kano state govt. – Emir Sanusi

    It was also gathered that the Emir had since accepted the offer, through a letter addressed to the government by the Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed.

    The letter by the Emir, thanked Gov Kayode Fayemi and the state government for the honour, promising to use his influence and wealth of experience to advance the course of the university.

    NAN recalls that EKSU is the fourth university in the country to appointed the Emir as Chancellor since he ascended the throne.

    NAN

  • Presidency raises four-man team to broker peace between Sanusi, Ganduje

    The Presidency has raised a four-man committee to broker peace between Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi both of whom have been locked in a cold war.

    The governor and the emir were invited to Abuja on Friday for talks which sources said on Saturday may halt the deposition processes already initiated by the Kano State Government.

    The peace team is headed by Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.

    Other members of the committee are Governors Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger),  Abubakar Atiku Bagudu  (Kebbi) and Muhammad Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa).

    The Office of the Chief of Staff to the President is coordinating the activities of the committee, The Nation learnt last night.

    But the team may have to harmonize its report with that of a similar intervention committee put together by a business mogul, Aliko Dangote.

    A top source said: “Let   me say to you that the presidency had intervened when the state government wanted to remove the Emir about a year ago.

    “When this investigation and deposition processes were initiated about a year ago, the governor informed the presidency. The four-man committee was sent by the government to prevail on Ganduje to drop the idea.

    “He was persuaded to drop the idea while other issues were being looked at for reconciliation.

    “But when the governor revived the processes this time around, he did not inform the presidency. The same committee was however sent but Ganduje refused to be seen until the parliament had passed the law creating more Emirates in the state.

    Read Also: Answer your query, Yakasai tells Emir Sanusi

    “This time around that he wanted to do it, the presidency was not informed because he did not want to be stopped. When he went ahead and signed the order, there was a court order stopping the governor. But he said he did not get the order.”

    Another source said the presidency opted to intervene because of the “grave security implications” of a breakdown of law and order in the state.

    “So far, the government wants the state government to respect the order of the court which asked all the parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the application.

    “The presidency may therefore halt the deposition processes to allow for an amicable resolution of all issues.

    “The committee raised by the presidency has been meeting with all the stakeholders in Abuja to  look at the issues and the terms for peace in Kano.

    “A pending report by another group of Aliko Dangote might also be integrated into the committee’s findings and recommendations on the way forward.

    “The challenges at hand are alleged disrespect for the governor  by the Emir;  the creation of new Emirates by the State House of Assembly; alleged mismanagement of over N3b by the Emir, query issued by the state government, and likely deposition of Sanusi.

    “The committee is expected to consider all these matters and recommend ways out. We want a win-win situation for all parties.”

    Governor Ganduje and Emir Sanusi were said to have exchanged pleasantries at Friday’s meeting just as they did at the Eid grounds, Kano on Tuesday.

    The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Abba Anwar, said: “As the two leaders met, they congratulated each other for the successful completion of the Ramadan Fast and the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

    “Both leaders spoke and urged all Muslims to continue with the good teachings and spirit of the Fasting period of the Month of Ramadan.

    “Emir Sanusi seized the opportunity to congratulate Gov. Ganduje for the victory in his second term in office. He also wished the governor successful tenure in office.

    “For healthier relationship between the two institutions of government and Kano Emirate Council, the dialogues will continue.”

    Contacted by phone last night, Anwar said:”what I can confirm is that the dialogue continues, so we should wait for its conclusion.”

  • Political elites have destroyed Nigeria, says Sanusi

    The Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi on Friday disclosed the high rate of kidnapping, thuggery and corruption amongst other criminal activities are caused by the political class.

    Sanusi also emphasized the judiciary has been destroyed by the political class.

    He spoke in Abuja as the key note speaker at the Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria’s 9th triennial National conference with the theme: Justice, equity and peaceful co-existence: ideals and reality in a multi -religious nation.

    The former Central Bank Governor (CBN), who was represented by the a senior lecturer, Department of Islamic Studies, Bayero University kano, Dr. Bashiru Umar, said Nigeria needs people who are committed to justice adding that all hand must be on deck for a positive change.

    He lamented that the rate at which corruption is thriving, calling on Nigerians to stop celebrating corrupt people in the society.

    His words: “The political class has destroyed so many things in this country. The health system has been destroyed. People now travel abroad for medical attention.

    Read Also: Sanusi discusses funding for communities

    “This political class has instituted thuggery, election malpractices, has institutionalized corruption. They have also destroyed the judiciary. Institutions have been destroyed.

    “And the unfortunate thing is that it is meant to be perpetual and the manipulation of these things has been the source of criminal violence, insecurity in our society, tribal clashes, religious crisis. One crisis will reduce another one will spring up.

    “There is now kidnapping amongst other crimes as a result of the elites. This has to change. We should learn from our creator.

    “We need to save this our society from imminent destruction. We must support those championing the cause of justice. We must stand up to fight corruption on earth.”

    Vice President of Ansar-ud-deen society of Nigeria, Alihaji Yusuf Ibrahim said there cannot be peace without equity and justice.

    Ibrahim appealed to politicians to: “desist from exploiting our fault lines to further their political interests. It is not healthy for the growth and development of Nigeria.”

     

  • Osinbajo meets Sanusi, others in Aso Rock

    Osinbajo meets Sanusi, others in Aso Rock

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday met some leaders behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Those in attendance included the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; the Lamido of Adamawa, Muhammadu Mustapha; and Alhaji Ahmed Joda, among others.