The second coming of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi !

    By Olugbenga Adebanjo

When the death of the late emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero was announced, little did the majority of observers realise that the succession to the vacant throne would be as democratic, fast and effective as it has turned out to be. Commendation should go the traditional emirate council of Kano for giving the political class some simple lessons on effecting a smooth transition. To those who constitute the emirate council, it’s simply another day at the office, rendering service to their immediate community and as for majority the political class, being in politics can be given many definitions.

Now that the dust has settled on the traditional political landscape of the ancient city of Kano, that‘‘diminutive enfant terrible’’ persona in the person of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has resurrected from the ‘‘abyss’’ to national prominence once again as the new emir of Kano. Are we surprised that SLS emerged as the new emir? Well as for me I am quite perplexed at the confidence that this guy has. Though he always wished that he becomes the next emir of Kano, he also rehearsed it through his minor idiosyncrasies, going to the CBN headquarters dressed in his royal princely robes and all that.

SLS wish has come to pass, what does it then portend for the nation? This guy has made it clear that he abhors ‘‘vested interest’’. According to him, these vested interests have been the clog in the progress of Nigeria. To him they are leaches sucking the living daylight of the country. Well he did not just talk the talk but decided on taking on this ‘‘monster’’ before the rug was pulled under his ‘‘royal feet’’ by those acting on behalf of the ‘‘vested interests’’. The man kept on fighting until he was sent into ‘‘Siberia’’ temporarily. To his admirers it was a big blow, who thought that was the end of their arrow head and to his detractors his demise was a release of fresh air which was fast receding in supply.

SLS as the new emir of Kano is definitely not a chip off the block. He is someone who is very passionate about the direction that the nation should take. Unlike most traditional rulers in the land,this traditional ruler would put any administration under the test of tolerance, be it at the state level or at the national level. There is the somewhat misleading perception that SLS is a mouth piece of the main opposition, the APC. This couldn't be far from the truth because this man is to a large extent contemptuous of professional politicians. He is very independent minded. GEJ’s administration should be ready for some knocks, yes. They may not come out in torrents as SLS tries to get used to his new role and also while he adjusts to his new environment, but surely they would come. I believe the government and its handlers should try and embark on some refresher courses on political astuteness and maturity because when the batting starts one would need a very thick skin to take the hitting.

The fear of 2015, I would suggest should be the beginning of wisdom for the president and his men. So doing some dancing steps at the palace of the emir of kano may seem rather absurd but presenting a coherent message on what the government has achieved in the past four years and what it has in the offing for the next four years could do a big difference to the stronghold of the talakawas, represented by their amiable ruler. What SLS has always preached is a government that has the interest of the governed not an errand boy of the vested interest establishment.

Within his immediate area of influence the new emir would try to bring to bear his influence through reforms to the way things are done in Kano emirate. A possible competition for space and relevance would ensue between the new emir and the political apparatchik in Kano state. The temptation to silence him would weigh very much over the political establishment in Kano with the possible tacit support of the government at the centre but one thing must be made clear, SLS is a national figure with a wide and deep following across the country. To go against him in a rash would be counterproductive if not politically fatal.   

For those in the banking industry and by extension the private sector, be aware that overseeing the affairs of the traditional emirate may not be too tasking for the emir to keep his eyes off the ball as it affects the economy. Remember this, he is very passionate about the economic direction of the country and he still has his contacts in the private sector inclusive of the banking industry,so it shouldn't come as a big surprise that the new emir would make comments on the country’s economic timeline. To be totally quite on such matters would be heresy to say the least.

SLS actively dabbling in political or economic discourse or calling the government to order should be seen as part of the nation’s political evolution. A voice which represents the voices of the voiceless millions should be tolerated for society to truly evolve politically,socially and economically. SLS has always stated that he is not interested in party politics but he has not publicly told anyone that he is not a political animal and if he is a political animal, the ‘‘vested interest’’ should allow him act according to his animal instincts.