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The Questions We Ought to be Asking: Who qualifies to be an Emir of Kano? Who is Sunusi Lamido Sunusi? What is His Relationship Between the A(E)mirship of Kano and SLS? What Are His Credentials? By Yaseer Musa Sagagi
Since the emergence of Sunusi Lamido Sunusi as the 57th emir of the ancient city of Kano, there is this cacophony of sleaze from some segment of the Northern elements in respect of HRH being a dan shi’a and all of that. These kinds of stereotypes are the bane of our current situation. In the spirit of clarity, and of being a progressive I humbly submit this piece. Oxford advanced learners dictionary defines Emir as; a descendant of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, as a commander, a prince. In this context, and according to historical sources; an Emir is a Muslim leader that combines all the functions of the organs of government as we know it today. The Emir of Kano is a leadership title that was first introduced into the Kano Sarauta system by the reforms of the Sarki Muhammadu Rumfa in the middle of 15th century (1463-1499). This reform was however not sustained by the subsequent Kings of Kano until the reformation movement of Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo in the early 18th century. According to Dr M. Uba Adamu, the reform attached to the Emir, the responsibilities of the executive, military, judicial, and religious matters. In other words the Emir is both the political and spiritual leader of the Kingdom. This naturally assumes significant degree of courage, as one of the most important requirements of Kings and Princes, knowledge of the world (politics, strategy, economics, law etc.), and Islamic knowledge (fiqhu, tafseer, hadith etc.). This reformation saw the emergence of a theocratic state governed by the Noble Qur’an and the Sunnah of Nabiy Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. It also overthrew the existing Hausa Kings, and established the Fulani ruling class, most of which were students of Shehu Usmanu. The given state of affairs bequeathed genealogy as the main pre-requisite of assuming the Emirship not only of Kano, but wherever Shehu’s reform reached. At the demise of any Emir, the King Makers assumes the responsibility of choosing a new Emir. After independence, the King Makers select three out of the contenders and submit to the sitting governor to select one out of those. I do not have a template with which they use to judge against contenders. But, it is obvious that they consider a lot of things. HRH Sunusi Lamido Sunusi is a descendant of the Fulani ruling dynasty, so by genetics, he has a pass. In addition, he is extensively learned in economics, politics, philosophy, history, Islamic jurisprudence etc. He has carved a niche for himself as a courageous, and a non-conformist. His nonconformism and his avowed dislike for corruption, and mediocrity recently cost his job as the CBN Governor. HRH Sunusi Lamido Sunusi’s genetic and intellectual credentials are bare for anyone to see. But, his intellectual and moral credentials especially on corruption informed his nomination. His Royal Highness Sunusi Lamido Sunusi is very reminiscent of Socrates concept of the best King- Philosopher King. Though, ancient cherished attributes of Kings and Princes were courage, valor, honesty etc. Our SLS is a fusion of several cherished attributes- intellect, brutal honesty, courage, etc. No doubt, HRH will face several challenges. He is thus far the second of his kind, after His Eminence Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar. There will be challenges from within the traditional establishment, and the politicians. It is extremely imperative for HRH to chart a course for an honest and purposeful leadership. Perhaps I should use this medium also, to remind his HRH on solutions he has proffered to the myriad of problems affecting Nigeria at various fora. Long live HRH Sunusi Lamido Sunusi! Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria!! |