EMIR OF KANO: PDP congratulates Sanusi’s rival in error

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday issued a statement congratulating Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero, as the new emir of Kano.

The party, in the statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, said the PDP under the chairmanship of Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu was happy with his “emergence.”


Metuh, in the statement described the ‘new emir’ as the heir apparent to the throne.

He praised the kingmakers for their wise decision in choosing Alhaji Ado Bayero, the heir-apparent to the throne, adding that “in so doing, the kingmakers have preserved the sanctity of the throne and the confidence reposed in the revered traditional institution.”

The party described Ado Bayero as “an outstanding nobility who is also highly respected for his wealth of knowledge and experience as well as his statesmanly disposition and commitment to the stability and greatness of the Emirate and the nation at large.”

Metuh said, “Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero is a rare breed. A man of exceptional wisdom and humility. We have a new Emir who, like his father, remains a detribalised Nigerian with an unshaken belief in the unity and peaceful coexistence of our people as a nation.

“We have no doubt whatsoever that the new Emir will live up to his billing by building on the solid foundation and legacies left by his father to further the greatness of the Emirate where the welfare and prosperity of all are guaranteed.”

Metuh insisted that the new Emir, like his father, “is a gift” not only to the Kano Emirate but also to the nation in general. It said Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero would bring to bear his wealth of knowledge acquired both in the palace and in the Public Service in discharging his duties as the emir.

Commending the other sons of the late Emir for supporting their elder brother, the PDP spokesperson charged “others who nursed the ambition of becoming emir to learn from the nobility and understand that positions of authority are bestowed only by God and not something to be grabbed through political scheming or by force. “

But over an hour later, when the kingmakers officially declared a former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new emir, Metuh issued another statement, to disown the congratulatory message which he claimed was issued by his special assistant, Mr. Richard Ihediwa.

He said his aide did not have his permission before he issued the statement.

The statement read, “About PDP Congratulates New Emir Of Kano: PDP Official Position

“Our attention has been drawn to an unauthorised statement issued on behalf of the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP by his Special Assistant, Mr. Richard Ihediwa, congratulating the eldest son of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero as the new Emir of Kano.

“Mr. Ihediwa relied on a false news flash on the AIT and issued a statement in that direction without approval from the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh.