Emir Sanusi police Invitation: Politically Motivated …Barr. Dantani, legal practitioner, Human Rights Activist.

By Abdulateeef Bamgbose

One of the leading legal practitioners and human rights activist, Barrister Hamza N. Dantani, has berated the Nigeria police force for its alleged partisanship and recent invitation to the revered Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido
In an open letter to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dantani stated that

‘I write this open letter to you with a deep sense of passion, untainted patriotism, and good intent for Kano state and the entire nation.

I write with utmost respect and a sense of concern over the recent invitation extended to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Ph.D. by the Inspector General of Police for an investigation meeting regarding an incident that occurred during the last Sallah celebration in Kano State.”

Continued, he stated that ” it tis deeply troubling that this invitation appears to be politically motivated rather than rooted in the interest of justice, fairness, or national security. The role of traditional institutions in our nation cannot be overemphasized”

“Traditional institutions, perhaps the oldest institution in Nigeria, are deeply rooted in the culture, history, and traditions of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds”.

“Traditional rulers, such as the Emir of Kano, occupy revered communal and political positions sanctified by centuries of culture, moral authority, and societal values. They embody their communities’ historical and spiritual continuity and are custodians of peace, morality, and cultural heritage.”

“Over the years, the Courts have recognized the status of traditional rulers equally. In Adanji v. Hunwo (1908) 1 NLR 74, the Court pronounced as follows:

“Without hesitation, it is a position of honor, of primacy among a particular section of the native community.”

Your Excellency, traditional rulership is often guided by the principle of legitimacy, stemming from the customs and tradition of the people: from the appointment of the traditional ruler by the recognized and acceptable appointing authority to his charismatic influence, which is derived from a broad acceptance of his personality and leadership qualities.

Consequent to the above, the actions of the Inspector General of Police, in this case, amount to a deliberate affront not only to the person of the Emir but also to the traditional institution as a whole in Northern Nigeria and the whole of Nigeria. ”
The legal practitioner expressed his concern that the invitation could trigger off unnecessary tension
” This approach can potentially stir unnecessary tension, chaos, and even a breakdown of law and order in Kano State, which could have nationwide implications.”

“Before the Sallah celebration, the police issued a security advisory, which led to the cancellation of the traditional Durbah ceremony. This ceremony is a central aspect of the celebration, during which the Emir usually rides on horseback to greet the governor and the people.

His Highness, in deference to the police directive, complied and instead rode in a car. Unfortunately, on the same day, one of the Emir’s aides tragically lost his life in an incident unrelated to the earlier police report. ”

” The Commissioner of Police in Kano State duly investigated and confirmed that the death had no connection with the canceled Durbah or the Emir’s compliance with the directive.”

” Despite this, the Inspector General of Police, ignoring the findings of his subordinate and driven by other motives, summoned the Emir to question the same matter that had already been responsibly addressed. Such disregard for institutional hierarchy, facts, and due process suggests an ulterior political motive and a misuse of the security apparatus to target a traditional leader.”

“If not canceled, this action cannot only constitute harassment but also undermine the peace-building efforts and stability provided by traditional rulers in our country. ”

” Section 4 of the Police Act mandates that the police preserve law and order. However, the politicization of their duties by the Inspector General contradicts this mandate and risks igniting unrest in Kano State and beyond”
While appealing to president Tinubu to ensure peace , equity and justice, Dantani, plead with president Tinubu to save Kano state and the Northern traditional institutions from the imminent crisis by politicising the already tensed crisis over succession disputes.

“Your Excellency, I humbly appeal to you, as the leader of our great nation and a promoter of peace, equity, and justice, to intervene in this matter.

We urge you to call the Inspector General of Police to order and advise him to desist from politicizing security operations and unnecessarily interfering in the issues that could destabilize Kano State and the North.”

“We also implore Your Excellency to ensure that due respect is accorded to the Emir of Kano, His Highness Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as a duly appointed traditional ruler under the authority of the elected Executive Governor of Kano State, approved by the Kano State House of Assembly.”

“The conventional institution deserves to be protected, not ridiculed or undermined.”

Thank you for your kind attention to this urgent and sensitive matter.

The letter was copied to

1- The Senate president / Speaker of the House

2- The police service commission

3- The National Security Adviser

4- The Attorney General of the Federation

5-Nigeria Police Force