• Governor preaches peace, unity, peaceful co-existence
After reportedly backing an earlier stoppage of the Sallah Durbar celebration to sustain peace in the state, the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, yesterday, led hundreds of Kano residents to observe the two ‘raka’ prayers at Kofar-Matta Central Eid Prayer Ground, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
The prayer session, held in a peaceful atmosphere amid heavily armed security personnel, was attended by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, and business communities.
The emir had trekked about 800 metres from the Kofar Kudu palace to the Eid ground as part of tradition, accompanied by palace chiefs, kingmakers, district heads, and hundreds of subjects to observe the prayers.
In his sermon, Sanusi sued for peace, compassion, kindness and hands of fellowship to people in need, as exemplified by Ramadan.
He urged residents to imbibe the spirit of love, unity and enable peace to reign in their daily affairs with neighbours, regardless of faith and ethnic background.
The monarch appealed to indigenes to avoid any act of reprisal in the face of provocation.
Citing intelligence suggesting a planned attack on the Edo community in Kano following the recent incident at Uromi, Sanusi pleaded for peace, assuring that the Kano State government was takingnecessary measures to address the situation.
In his Eid-el-Fitr message, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf felicitated with Muslims on Ramadan ending, urging residents to exhibit a sense of discipline, compassion and generosity cultivated during the holy month of Ramadan.
Joint security personnel had been deployed in strategic locations to sustain security and order in parts of the metropolis in the wake of the ban on Sallah celebrations.
They had threatened to deal ruthlessly with any group or individual embarking on horse ride, car race, and, or activities associated with Durbar.
Tension mounted a few days before the end of Ramadan following the notice of parallel Sallah Durbar celebration issued by the 15th emir, Aminu Ado Bayero after the state government had directed the emirate council under the leadership of Muhammadu Sanusi to begin preparation for the UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage.
SIMILARLY, the governor sued for peace, unity and peaceful co-existence, urging them to uphold the virtues of patience, compassion, and unity cultivated during Ramadan.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor emphasised the importance of sustaining the spirit of sacrifice and selflessness, encouraging citizens to support the less privileged, and promoting harmony in their communities.
