Emir Sanusi arrives back in Kano from Saudi Arabia greeted by jubilant crowds

EMBATTLED Emir of Kano Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi arrived back from performing the lesser hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia last night to a jubilant crowd amid signs that he is winning the popularity contest in his ongoing spat with Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

Over recent weeks, Kano State's Governor Ganduje and Emir Sanusi have been involved in a public spat over the traditional ruler's decision not to back the governor during the last general elections. Governor Ganduje has asked anti-graft agencies to probe the finances of the Kano emirate and has now decided to follow this up by carving it into four places in a bid to reduce the emir's influence.

However, the move is not proving popular as over the last week, four cleric have resigned from the government in protest at Governor Ganduje's decision. Emir Sanusi has been away observing the Muslim pilgrimage while the fierce battle has raged but yesterday afternoon touched down at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport where he was received by top emirate council members and jubilant Kano residents.

Shortly after pleasantries at the airport, Emir Sanusi was driven in a convoy to his palace, while Kano residents greeted the monarch, chorusing Maimataba.  Among those in his convoy were prominent Kano indigenes and palace guards known as Dogarai, who fought tirelessly to keep the crowds at bay.

According to political insiders, Governor Ganduje is not happy about the fact that the emir backed his political rival during the last Kano State gubernatorial elections. However, he has had to shelve his decision to turban three new monarchs after a state high court ordered the move to be halted, directing all parties to maintain the status quo, pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice.