Violent protests in Kano over Sanusi's choice as Kano Emir.

Violent protests, yesterday, greeted the announcement of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as the 14th Emir of Kano. The throne became vacant last week Friday following the death of the former Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero.Making the announcement, the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Rabiu Zakariya, said: “I have the honour to announce that after a careful study of the Kingmakers’ selection and advice, we have chosen the former CBN Governor, and the Dan’Majen Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new Emir of Kano”.

The Secretary to the state Government was flanked by the four Kano kingmakers that included the Sarkin Bai, Sarki Dawaki Mai’Tuta, the Madakin Kano and Makaman Kano.

The new emir, Alhaji Sanisu Lamido Sanusi defeated the trio of his uncle, and senior counsellor of the Kano Emirate council, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the late emir’s eldest son, and Chiroma Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero, and Alhaji Tijjani Hashim for the exalted stool.

Violent protest trails Sanusi’s appointment as Emir

Reacting to the emergence of the former CBN governor as the new Emir of Kano few minutes after his name was announced, hundreds of irate youths, yesterday, took over major streets in the ancient city protesting Sanusi’s choice. The Protesters who carried tree branches, sticks and some dangerous weapons, chanted war songs demanding a reversal of Sanusi’s choice.

The protesters were shouting “ Bamaso Bamaso” which means “we don’t want” around the emir’s palace and environs as motorists scampered for safety during the ensuing pandemonium.

It was learnt that the protests started at the emir’s palace by people suspected to be sympathetic to late Bayero’s son who were already celebrating a rumoured appointment of the Chiroman Kano.

The youths made bonfire along major highways and on major streets. The protest later spread to Fagge area of the metropolis as well as quarters like Kuramawa, Soron Dinki, Kofar Nassarawa, Gwale and Chrianchi.

Bonfires around Kofar Nassarawa. Road to Government House, Kano, from former Silver Jubilee round-about blocked by irate youths. Motorists compelled by youths to fix leaves to their windscreens.

However, a combined team of soldiers and policemen chased away the protesters from major streets, while Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s residence was heavily guarded, while troops have been deployed to guard government buildings in the city.

Commenting on the development, the Police image maker in the city, Mahaji Musa Majia told newsmen that ‘“we have security challenges, but I can assure you that we are on top of the situation”.