…”Police cited order from above’ ” – State Govt.
The Kano Emirs Palace, ?ofar Kudu, was yesterday under heavy security, as armed Police and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, block entry and exit points.
Vol Online reports that the deployment of armed security personnel to the Emirs Palace created widespread tension in the city.
The operatives restricted movement in and out of the palace, leaving many traditional rulers and title-holders stranded. The security measures coincided with Emir Muhammadu Sanusi IIs plans to accompany the newly-appointed Wamban Kano, Munir Sanusi, to his assigned post in Bichi local government area. However, the Emir was barred from attending the royal ceremony.
Vol Online also reports that both the Kano Emirs and Bichi Emirs palaces were placed under tight surveillance, sparking public concern.
The reason behind the heavy security presence remains unclear, however, unverified reports revealed that Emir Sanusi was scheduled to attend an event during the trip, and also expected to speak on tax reform bills during an engagement with economists.
No official statements have been issued by either the state government or the Emirate Council.
Meanwhile, the State government has called on residents to remain peaceful following yesterday’s armed security personnel’s deployment to the Emirs palace.
Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Bichi, made the call while speaking on a radio station yesterday.
Bichi, who was reacting to the incident, said when contacted, the Police authorities in the State said they were acting on ‘orders from above. He said: We were surprised when we woke up this morning to hear that armed policemen have rounded-up the Kano Emirs palace without any breach of peace, or any reason to warrant such action.
According to him, the action of the security operatives was nothing but a deliberate attempt to cause trouble, or invite trouble in the State. Who will give such directives from above? We know it is only the Federal Government that can give the directive to the Police”, he queried.
We suspect there are some people who are conniving with Abuja to cause a crisis in Kano, which will not be acceptable by the Kano State Government, Bichi stated.
The SSG debunked the rumour being peddled that there may be a crisis in Bichi if Emir Sanusi goes there, adding that the people of Bichi are peace-loving and would never do anything that could breach the existing peace in the area. According to him, the newly appointed District Head is from Bichi, and his Late father, Emir of Kano, Late Muhammadu Sanusi I was also a District Head of Bichi.
Efforts to obtain clarity from the Kano State Police Command were unsuccessful.
