Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote and Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi have broker peace between Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
To further ensure a healthy relationship between both institutions, Dangote, a business mogul and Fayemi, who is Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), arranged for a meeting between the duo which took place in Abuja on Friday, with all the key figures in attendance.
At the meeting which held shortly after completion of the Month of Ramadhan Fast and the Sallah festive period, Ganduje and Emir Sunusi, as gathered exchanged pleasantries and agreed to settle their differences.
Also, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Anwar, disclosed in a statement that both leaders urged the Muslim community to imbibe the good teachings and spirit of the Fasting period.
He said in the statement that the dialogue, at the instance of Dangote and Fayemi, also addressed the indictment on the Emir by the Kano state public complaints and anti-corruption commission on allegations of corruption to the sum of over N3.4 billion.
Over the submitted report of the anti-corruption commission which indicted the Emir of Kano, the state government had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Emir to submit a satisfactory explanation regarding the allegation against him.
Against an earlier speculation linking the summoning of the meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, Anwar in the statement clarified that the meeting was not at the instance of President Buhari, but was initiated by the Kano-born business mogul Aliko Dangote and Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
He said at the meeting, Emir Sanusi seized the opportunity to congratulate Governor Ganduje for his second term victory as the state governor, wishing him a successful tenure in office.
Meanwhile, Kano residents have commended the reconciliation of Governor Ganduje with the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II by a committee initiated by Aliko Dangote and Governor Fayemi of Ekiti in Abuja on Friday.
Some residents, who spoke with NAN, on Saturday in Kano, expressed satisfaction and appreciation with the reconciliation.
According to some of them, the reconciliation is in the best interest of peace in the state and the nation.
Dr Abba Ahmed, a retired civil servant in the state, said the reconciliation provided much relief to many residents.
“I have been tensed since the issue started, especially that I live close to the Emirate where people have developed a high sentiment over the situation.”
He explained that the situation was one of the few bad things that could happen to Kano, thus commended Dangote’s committee for the action.
Malam Nura Muhammad, also a civil servant, said the reconciliation was timely as it would save the whole of Northern Nigeria a lot of trouble.
“Kano has indeed become a centre for democracy not only in the North but in the whole country and many states look up to it for new political strategies.
“It’s also a hub for traditional influence where the Emirate plays a vital role in global affairs, while the Emir himself has attracted global attention, ” he said.
Malam Muhammad Ahmad, a businessman, said the reconciliation has saved Kano from shame because of so many uncertainties that could arise if the whole process had continued.
He urged residents to keep praying for more peace in the state and the country at large and avoid developing sentiments and enmities on political issues.