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Emirship Tussle: I Don’t Care If I’m Removed Again – Sanusi
Sanusi remained focused on the bigger picture, emphasizing the importance of unity and historical continuity within the Kano Emirate.
In a candid and extensive interview with Sun Newspaper, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), declared his willingness to face removal again if it ensures the preservation of the Kano Emirate as a unified entity.
Sanusi attributed the current crisis within the Emirate to the immediate past administration in Kano State, led by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Sanusi, reinstated as the 16th Emir of Kano following a Federal High Court ruling, emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the Kano Emirate, which has existed for over a millennium. “For me, even now that I am here, only God knows how long I will be here. I can die tomorrow.
“Another governor can come tomorrow and say that he has removed me, it doesn’t matter. But I am happy if he does not touch the emirate,” Sanusi stated.
He expressed his gratitude to the current government and the Kano State Assembly for restoring the emirate to its original state.
“I am happy that I will not leave a history that it was during my time that these 1000 years of history was destroyed. So, I am grateful to this government, grateful to this Assembly that they have corrected that, that we have the emirate restored to what it was and Insha’Allah that when I die or when I leave, the person who inherits will inherit what we had,” he explained.
Sanusi’s comments followed a Federal High Court decision that invalidated the Kano State government’s repeal of the Kano Emirates Council Law 2024. This law had led to the removal of Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano and the creation of four new emirates—Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya—by Ganduje’s administration.
The court’s ruling directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante, effectively reinstating Sanusi as the Emir.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, criticized the court rulings, describing them as “highly erroneous” and lacking constitutional justification under Sections 251 and 254 (C). Despite these legal controversies, Sanusi remained focused on the larger picture, stressing the importance of the Kano Emirate’s unity and historical continuity.
Sanusi recounted the long-standing unity within the Kano Emirate, contrasting it with other regions where new emirates were created due to ethnic and religious diversity. He argued that Kano, a largely homogeneous society, did not require such divisions. “Nobody asked for new emirates. So, what we are dealing with is a situation where somebody divided us,” he remarked.
He elaborated on the damage inflicted by the previous administration’s restructuring, comparing it to the arbitrary colonial borders drawn by Europeans. “You don’t create emirs for people. Somebody who, for one thousand years, has never been under you, somebody now decrees that this is your king. How?” Sanusi questioned, particularly criticizing the creation of the Bichi Emirate, which was historically governed by a village head.
Sanusi highlighted the complex history and the cohesive fabric of the Kano Emirate, criticizing the arbitrary creation of new emirates and kingmaker positions. “You’re dealing with Kano. You’re not dealing with me. It’s not about me as a person. It’s about our history, our culture,” he stressed.
Providing a historical background, Sanusi explained that the Kano Emirate predated Nigeria and even the Sokoto Jihad. “The Kano Emirate was not created by the Nigerian Constitution. The Emirate existed before Nigeria. The Kano Emirate existed before the Sokoto Jihad. Even Uthman Danfodio did not create the Kano Emirate,” he said.
He noted that the division of the Emirate disrupted centuries-old traditions and governance structures. “This is the right they claimed for themselves for their contribution to the Jihad. How does somebody now take Mr. A and say I’m creating a fifth kingmaker in Mr. A’s family? What right do you have to join those four? How? What did you do that gives you the right to be a kingmaker?” Sanusi asked.
Sanusi underscored the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of the Kano Emirate, warning against arbitrary changes that could damage its legacy. “Now, just like the British partitioned Africa, you divided what had existed over a period of time. People need to understand what this government did, because people don’t understand what that law was and the kinds of damage it did to our history’s fabric,” he said.
Despite the political and legal turmoil, Sanusi remains committed to preserving the unity and integrity of the Kano Emirate. “It’s about the system, not about me or any individual,” he affirmed, reflecting his dedication to the Emirate’s continuity and historical significance.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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