Kano is Hardest Hit By Violence,Destructions During Ongoing Nationwide Protests Says Emir Sanusi II,Ado Bayero

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

In a stark assessment, the 16th Emir of Kano, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II has stated that Kano State has suffered the most damage and loss due to the violent clashes that erupted during the end bad governance proLtests.l

While speaking to journalists at the Kofar Kudu palace on Friday, Emir Sanusi condemned the recent violence that resulted in loss of lives, injuries, and property destruction, calling it a significant setback for the state. 

The monarch therefore urged protesters to avoid being misled and to stop the demonstrations. 

Reflecting on the events, OPEN TELEVISION Naija reports that Emir Sanusi expressed sorrow for the community, emphasizing that the violence, warned against by scholars and leaders, allowed troublemakers to hijack peaceful protests, leading to chaos and harm.

He reiterated that violence in Kano ultimately harms Kano, affecting innocent people. The young lives lost and the damaged properties belong to the people of Kano. 

Also, the destruction, such as the burning of the printing press, means funds will now be diverted to rebuilding rather than towards youth empowerment, poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, and nutrition which is the very issues being protested against.

Emir Sanusi also highlighted the destruction of the Digital Centre of Excellence, established by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to educate and train the youth in digital skills. 

He noted that plans were underway for the centre's commissioning by the Minister and the Governor, but now, valuable resources have been wasted, undermining investments in human capital.

Emir Sanusi laments that the North, especially Kano, has been deeply impacted by the consequences of the protests. 

"I urge the people of Kano not to repeat the chaos of yesterday or be misled into continuing such destruction. Parents should guide their children, and community leaders, including Ward heads, district heads, and imams, should inform our people that this violence only harms Kano and sets us back. No one will come to fix our problems for us," he emphasized. 

"We pray to Allah for mercy on the souls of those who died, for the restoration of wealth to those who were looted or vandalized, and for a swift recovery for the injured."

"Let us persevere, remembering that Kano has overcome difficult times before and will rise again. We must revive the Kano spirit of strength and perseverance, trusting in God to lift us out of this even stronger."

"We also pray for Allah's support for those who mean well for Kano and protection against those who wish us harm. I call on the people to maintain peace, cooperate with security agencies, and report any suspicious activity. Let us refuse to buy stolen goods and encourage the return of such items to their rightful owners."

In a related development, the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has also called for peace, patience, and continuous prayers to address the nation’s economic challenges. 

Emir Bayero made this appeal when he received a letter of demands from members of the Kano Coalition for Peace Ambassadors to forward to President Bola Tinubu. 

He emphasized that continuous engagement and dialogue are crucial to resolving the issues affecting the people because the importance of dialogue in achieving goals which their concerns would be pursued.²