I’ll keep speaking for Nigeria’s unity, development, says Sanusi

Former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has said he would keep speaking for Nigeria’s unity and development.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ex-governor, who is current Khalifah, Tijaniyat Movement of Nigeria, made the submission during a stage play titled, “Emir Sanusi: Truth in Time,” at the weekend in Lagos.

The drama was written by Prof. Ahmed Yerima of the Redeemer University and produced by Executive Chairman, Duke of Somolu Productions, Joseph Edgar.

The 14th emir argued that he has what it takes to contribute to nation-building, recalling that he had served as Chief Risk Officer at United Bank for Africa and at First Bank, before becoming CBN governor and later as Emir of Kano for six years and currently Khalifah, Tijaniyat Movement of Nigeria.

Sanusi said he would be ungrateful to God if he expressed regret or sadness over his removal as emir in spite of the positions he occupied in life.

His words: “I don’t think that God has taken anything away from me. So, I have no regrets.

“I turned 61 years last year and in those years, I had the honour of having been the Chief Risk Officer at United Bank for Africa (UBA) and First Bank.

“I was Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Emir of Kano and now Khalifah, Tijaniyat Movement of Nigeria.”

“If I have sadness, then I’m ungrateful. How many people have had the opportunity to be just one of those things?”

Sanusi added that many traditional rulers held leadership positions such as army generals, governors, Nigerian customs chiefs and others before their appointment as traditional rulers.

According to him, these traditional rulers gave their bits to serve the country.

He added: “We have a long history of service to this country. My father as the first Director-General of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency set up the agency in1960, the record is there to see.

“My parents, grandparents and great grandparents gave their lives to build this country.

“We will continue to devote energy to building this country. It doesn’t belong to anyone. It belongs to all of us.”

The ex-banker said if he had a choice between sacrificing his principles and holding on to the position, he would give up the position.

“History is always the best judge. The things that I said would happen, that caused me so much trouble, have happened.

“For me, I have absolutely no regrets and I will continue to speak and voice my views. I will continue to defend this country,” he added.