Kano State government has decried the blockade of the palace of the Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II by the police.
The incident occurred yesterday morning in Kano.
In a statement issued by the state commissioner for information, Halilu Baba Dantiye,the government expressed its commitment o towards peace.
He described the situation as an unfortunate development that had raised tension and distress in the state.
“The Kano State government wishes to express its profound dismay and deep concern over the reported blockade of the entrance to the Kofar Kudu palace of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, by heavily armed security operatives.
“This unfortunate development has raised tensions and caused distress among the residents of Kano and the surrounding communities.
“The government is committed to maintaining peace, stability and the rule of law across the state. We strongly condemn any action that disrupts the peace or undermines the dignity of traditional institutions which are central to the unity and cultural heritage of our people.
“While the government is working to ascertain the reasons behind this incident and engage with the relevant authorities to ensure a swift and peaceful resolution, all residents are hereby urged to remain calm, law-abiding, continue with their normal daily activities and refrain from spreading unverified information that could fuel unnecessary panic and tension.
“The Kano State government remains resolute in its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of its people and ensuring the continued stability of our great state,” he stated.
Earlier yesterday, there was tension in Kano as heavily armed security personnel sealed the emir’s palace.
Although no reason was officially given for the action, it is said not to be unconnected with the plans of the Emir Sanusi to hold a meeting on the Nigerian economy, especially on the issue of tax reforms with some experts and meet with clerics on what to extend to the public during sermons of Friday prayers.
It was also said that the emir was appointing a new district head of Bichi, a former emirate now dissolved by the current administration.
Despite the heavily armed police presence, the emir came out of the residential area on a horse to the palace where he holds sessions.
Efforts to meet the state’s commissioner of police, Salman Dogo, were unsuccessful because he was said to have gone to the airport to receive the vice president.
More so, several calls to the public relations office of the police command were rejected without any response.
At the time of compiling this report yesterday, everyone went about their daily business.
