On Tuesday, tensions flared at the defunct emir’s palace in Rano Local Government Area, Kano State, following a clash between thugs and residents.
The conflict escalated, forcing the temporary chairman of the local government council, Professor Dahiru Yakubu Rano, and the envoy of the restored 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to withdraw from the scene.
Reports indicate that several vehicles, especially those at the LGA secretariat, sustained damage.
Naziru Salisu Mato, a local eyewitness, reported that thugs had been present at the palace for several days, creating unrest and discomfort among the residents.
“The thugs were stationed at the palace for security, which we opposed because the palace already had its own security. The situation turned violent when the interim chairman and the Emir’s representative attempted to enter the palace,” Mato recounted. “Residents tried to intervene, leading to the thugs attacking and chasing people away. Eventually, the residents fought back and drove the thugs, the chairman, and the representative out. However, some thugs remained hidden and attacked again when it seemed calm. My motorcycle was damaged during the chaos.”
In a separate development, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his initiatives to support pensioners and promote girl child education in Kano State.
The commendation came through a statement issued by Sani Abba Yola, Director of Special Duties at the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, on Thursday.
Emir Sanusi highlighted the government’s efforts to alleviate the struggles of pensioners facing unpaid pensions and gratuities. “The attention given to pensioners can be a matter of life and death for them and their families. Some have died due to neglect. We must remember our accountability to God for our obligations to those who served the state for 35 years,” he remarked.
He praised Governor Yusuf for disbursing six billion naira in gratuity and death benefit payments to pensioners, along with an additional release of five billion naira for continued payments. “The payment of N11 billion within one year is certainly commendable,” the Emir noted, emphasizing the relief it provides to retired workers.
Additionally, the Emir commended the Governor’s efforts to enhance girl child education in the state. During a courtesy visit by the Kano State Commissioner of Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, and the Commissioner of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Alhaji Mohammed Tajo Othman, the Emir acknowledged the provision of shuttle buses and educational materials for girls as part of these initiatives.
