Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has applauded the Nigeria Police Force for retracting the invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, following public backlash.
In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Obi described the police’s decision to withdraw the invitation as timely and wise, noting that it would help prevent further escalation of an already tense situation in the country.
The invitation was initially extended to the Emir over an alleged incident during the Sallah festivities in Kano, where he reportedly warned against holding the traditional Durbar ceremony. The Durbar, a ceremonial display of cultural and religious pride, is commonly held after Eid prayers in some Northern states. The controversy arose after Sanusi returned home from Eid prayers on foot but later entered the palace on horseback, a situation that reportedly led to a murder during the festivities.
Amid growing public outcry, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun took the decision to withdraw the invitation, instead instructing the Kano State Police Command to obtain a statement from Emir Sanusi regarding the incident. This move was seen as a more measured approach to addressing the issue.
Reacting to the development, Obi emphasized the need for decentralization in handling such sensitive matters, asserting that local police forces, such as the Kano State Command, are better suited to address issues within their jurisdiction. He highlighted the importance of trusting senior officers, including Commissioners of Police and Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), to resolve matters appropriately at the state and zonal levels.
Obi’s statement read: “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.”
He concluded by reiterating that a decentralized approach to policing would foster peace and improve public trust in law enforcement.
The withdrawal of the invitation is seen as an effort to ensure that law enforcement actions do not inflame existing tensions, especially in a politically and culturally charged environment like Kano.
