Abba Kabir Yusuf, popularly known as Abba Gida-Gida, the governor-elect of Kano state, has extended a personal invitation to Muhammadu Sanusi II, the deposed Emir of Kano, to attend his forthcoming inauguration ceremony.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the invitation, which was personally signed by Yusuf and dated May 26, expressed the governor-elect’s belief that Sanusi’s presence at the event would not only add grandeur but also provide significant support and encouragement.
In the invitation letter, Yusuf stated, “Following the gubernatorial elections held in Kano State on March 18, 2023, in which I emerged as the victor and subsequently received my certificate of return from INEC, I am delighted to invite you to my swearing-in ceremony, along with my Deputy, Comrade Amin Abdussalam Gwarzo.”
He further expressed his conviction that Sanusi’s participation would contribute to restoring Kano State’s lost glory and reputation, aiming to propel the state towards progress and development in all spheres of human endeavour.
A senior member of the transition committee, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of access to specific details, disclosed that the committee had resolved to invite notable individuals from the state to partake in the event. The source added that considering this and the recent court ruling lifting the ban on Sanusi’s entry into Kano, the former Emir’s invitation was not unexpected.
This newspaper also learnt that a close aide of the former Emir, who also preferred anonymity, confirmed that Sanusi had received the invitation. However, the aide stated that no decision had been made regarding Sanusi’s attendance, as he had also received invitations to two other inaugurations: the presidential inauguration and the inauguration of the governor-elect in Abia State, who shares a background in banking with the former monarch.
Nonetheless, the aide confirmed that he had already departed from South Africa and was en route to Nigeria as of late Friday.
Recall that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), had previously stated that the incoming government, of which he is a prominent figure in, would review the dethronement of Sanusi.
