The 14th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has met with the coup leaders in Niger Republic.
The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) met the military leadership after the junta aborted a meeting with representatives of the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and a top US diplomat
VIDEO: Sanusi Meets Niger Coup Leaders pic.twitter.com/HjVcXIaZLh
— Daily Trust (@daily_trust) August 9, 2023
But on Wednesday, footage of Sanusi, whose Tijjaniya sect has a large following in Niger, went into circulation.
Sanusi is the Khalifa of the sect in West Africa. It is not clear what his mission to the neighbouring country entails.
Nigerians react:
“Mai Martaba Khaleefa Muhammad Sanusi II ya sadu da shugaban kasar Niger na sojoji yau Laraba 9th August, 2023 a Niamey, Niger Republic.”
“What’s the meaning of this? I’ve been reliably informed that he went there on his own and not on behalf of the government of Nigeria. What is he trying to show …. that he can go where even the former Head of State and the Sultan did not go? Since he was neither sent there by government nor did he did inform the Sultan before going, his trip is clearly against traditional protocol. It is a presumptuous act that should be condemned because it could not have been done in good taste. Harkan nan ba martaba a ciki!”
“True. Its surprising he can take such a step. As a former traditional Ruler in Northern Nigeria he is expected to at least accord His Eminence some respect. This is unfortunate. No regard for the President? What is he trying to prove Sanusi is such a non- conformist. This type of attitude made them remove him as Emir, yet he hasn’t learnt. So, what did he go to discuss as nobody sent him?”
“Sanusi is behaving as if Nigerian President is not in charge anymore!
How can he take off to Niger when President Tinubu appointed an Envoy and they haven’t completed their assignment. He should have waited for the President to give you the assignment and a brief of what to discuss with Tchiani. This is against diplomatic protocol, most especially at a time like this with conflict & uncertainties.
Sanusi ought to know better. He must be sanctioned for this impulsive action & not applauded. If he wanted to do something good, he should have informed the President first and the Sultan. This is out of order.” – Dr. Johnson. Industrialist, Lagos.
