The new Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammad Sunusi Lamido Sunusi 11, has said that his ascension to the throne is God’s making, humbling declaring that he was not the best among those who competed for the position.

The new Kano monarch stated this in his Friday sermon to the congregation, in which he called on all Muslims to fear God in all their dealings, adding that it is through the fear of Allah “we can get it right.”

HRH Sanusi II pledged to continue to exhibit high sense of transparency, fairness, responsibility, maintaining that he would continue to treat everybody as equal.

The new Emir said that “God gives power to whom he wants,” adding that he was not the best among the candidates but God has chosen him to lead.

Emir Sanusi II also urged Muslims to always turn to God in times of difficulties for divine intervention and resolution on such challenges.

The Emir said: “I enjoin Muslims to draw my attention to whatever wrong I have committed, for I know that to err is human, but to forgive is God’s.”

The immediate past Governor of the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) delivered the sermon shortly after he made a triumphant entry into the Emir’s Palace yesterday afternoon – seven days after he was so appointed by the Kano state Government.

A mammoth crowd of well wishers, Royal guards, and heavily armed policemen escorted the new Emir whose appointment was greeted by violence in the city to the palace.

However, police ended their five-day siege on the palace Thursday night. Armed police moved out in batches.

Till date, police have not offered explanation as to why they took over the emir’s palace and officials are keeping sealed lips over the matter.

The journey to the palace tucked in the heart of old city began from Government House, Kano, by 3:30pm shortly after the new emir led the Juma’at prayers at the state House.

The emir, while at the palace, also conducted Asr prayers (late evening prayers) inside the palace mosque and was received by hundreds of jubilant subjects.

Sanusi II, who drove into the palace in the official vehicles of the emirate, stepped into the palace of his forefather through a new gate that was erected for him in line with tradition.

Thereafter gunshots were fired to herald the entrance of the new Emir. This was essentially conducted by the palace guards as a mark of honour to herald a new beginning.

•Adapted from a Saturday Vanguard report. Photo shows Emir Sanusi surrounded by Royal Guards as he entered the palace . . . yesterday in Kano.

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