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Condemnations, within and outside Nigeria have continued to trail the dethronement of former Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
Among those who have condemned the act executed by the Governor of Kano, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is the wife of the first black president of South Africa, Graca Machel, founder, Graca Machel Trust and the Foundation for Community Development.
In a letter dated March 10, 2020 and addressed to the deposed foremost monarch, Graca said that she was deeply saddened about the dethronement, saying that Sanusi paid a high price of speaking against corruption in Africa.
The letter reads in part:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of you being relieved of your official duties as Emir of Kano and held by government authorities. I am sending you this message of solidarity in the hopes that it provides you, in some small measure, with reassurance and a degree of comfort that you are not alone in your valiant struggle to confront corruption and social ills burdening Northern Nigeria.
“Your influential voice- as a man-as a traditional leader, and as a religious authority-in challenging the status quo is solely needed not only in Nigeria, but throughout Africa. You are a bold inspiration for leaders to hold themselves to account and do all in their power to improve the well-being of all citizens under their watch; especially women and children.
“Your highness, we hold you in very high regard, and count on your knowledge, expertise, experience and wisdom to continue to lift the continent to higher height. We proudly count you among the Graca Machel Trust’s International Board of Advisors and stand with you in your courageous efforts to speak truth to power. We are here for you should you feel there is something we can do to assist during this challenging time.
“Your convictions are powerful ones that ring loudly in the hearts and minds of all those who value human dignity and equality- and the causes you are fighting so steadfastly for cannot be silenced. Rest assure that critics of progressive thinking and action find themselves on the wrong side of history. Please remain strong and resilient. We are praying for your safety and freedom”.
Also, in his reaction, former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi said that Sanusi’s removal from office has impacted more negatively on Nigeria, adding, “His removal portrays clearly, the recklessness of our country”.
In another development, former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka assured the deposed Emir of his solidarity, stressing, “I am with him at this time. His apotheosis has just begun”.
