National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Olatunde Oluwasola|
The much-anticipated Sallah Durbar celebration by the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has been thrown into uncertainty following a ban by the Kano State Police Command.
“We are directing all the district heads of the Emirate to come along with their village heads, horse riders, and praise singers for the festivities,” said Abbas Sanusi, senior councillor to Emir Bayero, in a circular.
The police ban came after the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, announced plans to hold a parallel Durbar celebration, sparking fears of chaos and violence in the state.
“I’m directed by His Highness, The Emir of Kano, Alh Aminu Ado Bayero, to request special security arrangements for the conduct of Sallah festivities,” said Bayero’s Private Secretary in a letter to the Commissioner of Police.
Despite the ban, indications emerged last night that the Sanusi Durbar may still hold today with the assistance of the state government.
“The government is concerned about the actions of the State Police Commissioner, who has been accused of disobeying the directives of Governor Yusuf,” said Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi. “Some people are desperately scheming to unjustly penalize the people of Kano for keeping to the tradition of radical politics of voting with their conscience.”
The police ban has sparked tensions in the state, with the government accusing the police of attempting to destabilize the state.
“The decision to ban all Durbar activities was a result of security reports obtained and wide consultations with relevant stakeholders,” said CP Usaini Gumel in a statement.”
