Obi hails police for withdrawing Emir Sanusi’s invitation

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party has hailed the Nigeria Police Force for withdrawing the invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.

Obi said the invitation was unnecessary and could have further heightened an already inflamed situation.

The PUNCH reports that the Emir was earlier summoned over an alleged murder during last Sunday’s Sallah festivities in the state after it warned against holding Durbar.

The Durbar is the ceremony held after Eid prayers in some Northern states.

The incident reportedly occurred after Sanusi returned home from Eid prayers, having gone on foot but returned to the palace on a horse.

However, following public outcry against the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, withdrew the invitation extended to Sanusi.

Egbetokun, in turn, directed the Kano State Police Command to obtain Sanusi’s statement regarding the incident.

Reacting, the former Anambra State Governor, in a post on his X handle on Monday, hailed the decision to withdraw the invitation.

Obi suggested that a decentralised approach to the matter would encourage peace and public trust.

He said, “I would like to commend the Nigeria Police Force for the wise and timely decision it took to withdraw the invitation extended to His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II. In light of the current tensions within our society, such an invitation was unnecessary and could have further heightened an already inflamed situation.

“There is a fully functional police command in Kano, with sufficient capacity to address such matters within the State. That is precisely why we have senior-ranking officers, including Commissioners of Police and Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), to handle issues of this nature appropriately at the state and zonal levels.

“Once again, I appreciate the decision to withdraw the invitation. A decentralized approach would encourage peace and public trust. -PO.”