It always comes to me as a surprise when I read and hear crass comments from the northerners against Emir Sanusi II for his honest and dogged stance on the sorrowful state of affairs in the North. These comments are indeed saddening as they reflect either poor understanding of the Emir and the North or politics as usual, which has always been placed over and above the interest of the society. It is unfortunate that even those people who attempt to defend him are not safe from harsh criticisms.
Emir Sunusi II is a blessing to the North. Forget about his globally recognized sound knowledge and intellect, it is not one of my concerns here, perhaps someday. What one should think about is the kind of problems the north has, the kind of people it has, the relationship between the causes of the problems and the people in the North. From this, one then jumps to the position of the Emir as a very much distinguished leader in north whom a lot of things are expected from.
The Emir is well known by virtually everyone as a person who speaks against anything he reasonably perceives to be wrong not only in Kano or any other northern state but also issues of national interest. He has been heard criticising the incumbent government in the early days of its journey of change mantra, especially on some rash economic policies–an area the Emir has distinguished himself. But because of how blindly the north was in love with the incumbent government at that time, only few people understood the sense he made.
Replete examples had been cited about the late Ado Bayero (May his soul rest in peace) whom Emir Sunusi was somewhat advised to take a cue from, they meant culture of silence. The Late Emir was a different person, more of traditionalist while Sunusi II is a modern Emir who thinks about things differently, giving heavy consideration to the dyamics of human society. If people like the Emir do not speak on salient issues in the north, who then will?
In this part of the world, people have a problem but always pretend to the world that such is not. For example, the Emir is known for his stance on polygamy and high number of children whom a man cannot control basing this on the saying "cut your cloth according to your size. But they want him to say it is cool for a man who cannot adequately take care of himself to have two, three or four wives with more than twenty children. As can practically be seen in this society, these children at tender age go out to cater for themselves–no school, no control and direction. That's how these children grow up to different classes of problems with few exceptions.
Sadly, most people here, especially in trying to defend themselves against the honest stance of the Emir always bring up religious provision(s) with interpretation favourable to their stance. Notherners are the real problems of the North.
In conclusion, I challenge other emirs, religious leaders, you and I to take the bull by its horns and join hands in saving the north. One must speak where necessary. No one should swallow his cough in fear of disturbing others. Everyone that is strong(er) should help one who is weak(er). Emir Sunusi II, even if he leaves now, has already written his name in gold as a person who means well for his people. We should be like him.
Abdul Mutallib Muktar
abdulmutallib.muktar@gmail.com
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