Group asks police to apologize for addressing Emir Sanusi as ‘Alhaji Sanusi’
A Civil Society Organization under the auspices of Coalition of Concerned Kano Civil Society Groups, CCKCSG, has demanded a public apology from police for addressing the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi ll, as “Alhaji Sanusi” in official communications.
Nura Ali, spokesman of the group, at a press conference in Kano on Wednesday, described the address as “blatant disrespect” to the person of the emir.
According to Mr Ali, addressing Emir Sanusi as “Alhaji Sanusi” is not a mere oversight, adding that “it is a deliberate act of disrespect that strikes at the heart of our cultural identity”.
“Equally disturbing is the blatant disrespect shown to the Emir of Kano by referring to him as “Alhaji Sanusi” in official communications.
“This is not a mere oversight; it is a deliberate act of disrespect that strikes at the heart of our cultural identity.
“Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, as the 16th Emir of Kano, is the custodian of our traditions and a revered leader whose title carries the weight of history and the aspirations of our people.
“To strip him of this title in official correspondence is to undermine the dignity of the Kano Emirate and, by extension, the cultural heritage of northern Nigeria the good people of Kano.
“Accordingly, we demand an immediate public apology from the Nigeria Police Force for this affront and a commitment to address the Emir by his proper title, “Emir of Kano, Khalifah Muhammadu Sanusi II,” in all future engagements,” Mr Ali said.
The group called on the Inspector General of Police, the Police Service Commission, and all relevant authorities to take urgent steps to ensure the neutrality of the police in the Kano Emirate tussle.
“The NPF must rise above resist political pressures, whether from an individual or the federal government, and focus on its constitutional role of protecting lives and property without prejudice.
“We urge the police to engage traditional leaders with the respect they deserve, recognizing their role as partners in maintaining peace and stability in our communities.
“Furthermore, we appeal to all stakeholders—government officials, traditional leaders, and the people of Kano—to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation over confrontation.
“The Kano Emirate tussle has already taken its toll, causing apprehension and bitter divisions that significant unrest, with protests and clashes threatening the relative peace of our state and considerable damage to its economy.
“The police must not be seen to exacerbate these tensions through actions that appear politically motivated or culturally insensitive.
“The Coalition of Concerned Kano Civil Society Groups remains committed to advocating for justice, cultural preservation, and good governance.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will not hesitate to mobilize further action if the police fail to heed this call.
“Let us work together to restore trust in our institutions, uphold the dignity of the Kano Emirate, and ensure a peaceful resolution to this crisis,” he added.
CCKCSG said it is particularly alarmed by reports of federal interference, “as evidenced by the gloating and incendiary statements from opposition figures politicians opposed to Emir Sanusi and the deployment of military personnel federal security forces in at the state matter to protect the deposed emir, which further fuels perceptions of bias”.
