Re: Paradox Of Sanusi’s Emirship; Right Of Reply By Aliyu A. WaliJune 17, 2014, 6:04 pm

Normally, one would just pass such writings without recourse to it especially with the apparent ‘subjectivity’ and dripping warped thoughts that defined the piece. Yet once in a while one is pushed to ‘respond’ to issues that are spewed if only to put forth an alternative viewpoint to balance the skewed public commentary as well as debunk the ‘fallacies’ that fly around. Perhaps the obvious explanation for some of the things expressed lie in the fact that they are opinions of one looking from the outside with inadequate appreciation of both the issues of royalty as well as the specifics concerning the traditions of the society in question. Yet still, it becomes clear that the central theme that motivated the piece was envy and hatred for the subject matter.

For I wonder what ‘sweet revenge’ the author was referring to when in HRH SLS we have one with a legitimate claim to the throne no less or more than any other of the princes. And it is a clear lack of knowledge and appreciation of what it means to be a ‘Prince’ and the ways of tradition that made the author to claim that HRH SLS “…is no less hungry for power…” It is obvious that anyone not known to tow the line of those in power will be seen as ‘controversial’ which is an opinion and viewpoint subject to various degrees of interpretation.

But to go the extra-mile of branding HRH SLS’s stewardship as being undistinguished reeks of pettiness and outright ill-feeling towards the subject matter. I will not waste time by recounting the ‘globally acknowledged distinguished’ achievements of HRH SLS. Indeed, as the saying goes “the palm of the hand can never blot out the sun’. The only ‘reason’ bandied as evidence of HRH SLS’s undistinguished career lay in his removal from office at the ‘eleventh hour’ of his tenure which he had made abundantly clear he would not request for any extension.

Indeed, one would not take away anything from the achievements of HRH SLS’s predecessor, Chukwuma Soludo who initiated the wide ranging reforms that sought to bring about financial inclusion with such policies as revamping of micro-financing as well as the much maligned & misunderstood Non-interest banking model which Soludo saw as an opportunity to bring a large population from the Northern part of the country into the financial system as a step towards achieving FSS2020. Yet ironically, the rot exposed by HRH SLS which led to the suspension of bank MDs was ‘founded and cemented’ during Soludo’s tenure which raises questions as to why such was not addressed based on the fact that the ‘crimes’ committed were not done ‘in one night’. Thus here again the author’s ulterior motive of trying by all means to show HRH SLS as not having achieved much, failed.

Thereafter the author went on a wild goose chase. In all the narrative there was no where he provided a single instance of ‘proof’ but rather preferred to swim in the euphoria of ‘allegations’ that were leveled against HRH SLS. It is unfortunate that one is now ‘guilty until proven innocent’ simply because he does not ‘flow with the tide’. Again, I do not have to burden the reader with HRH SLS’s indelible and universally acclaimed efforts in repositioning the CBN and ensuring financial system stability which is the ‘core mandate’ of the CBN. Alas, as I said above the true intent of the piece which was written to besmirch and soil the name of HRH SLS is as clear as a large stain on a white cloth. Such dripping ‘envy’ and ‘malice’ can only be what makes the author think that for a moment he could compare grapes with apples. For where a throne would indeed be ‘enviable’, I wonder how a position that the incumbent has declared ‘vacant’ even while he served will be ‘missed’ and cause him any worry upon being removed.

Indeed as a dogged and focused individual, HRH SLS had already declared his reason for pursuing the matter to its logical conclusion being to clear the matter for the sake of subsequent occupants as well as posterity. It even proves him as being unperturbed by the ‘allegations’ for a guilty person will always prefer silence than confrontation.

I will excuse the author in his final few paragraphs based on his lack of appreciation of the traditions of the Kano Emirate, history, contexts and circumstances. Yet even so, it is inexcusable, the level to which the person would go to denigrate HRH SLS. And even worse is the obvious thrill and happiness with which the author claims that: “…Since he became emir, Kano has not known peace…” Alas, I must inform him and his likes that not only is Kano peaceful but we are in fact wholesomely warming up to our latest Emir! We know what it means to the  naysayers and the propagandists for a worthy person to gain a higher station in life especially a life-long heritage bequeathed by destiny.

Much of what the writer wrote in the closing of his piece was based on conjecture and I would rather see them as his opinion on the import and meaning to be gleaned from transpired events. Indeed whether you act or don’t act, you will always have someone rearing to spew forth the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Thus, be steady and continue on your path Ya Amir! Our prayers remain that your detractors will continue seeing the dust from the hooves of your horse long gone! Let the haters keep it coming! HRH Sanusi II is by the actions of his detractors continuously proving that he is a ‘formidable’ person and no pushover. History will judge, what and who was the enigma, the star, and the unique SLS – Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

I remain HRH SLS’s loyal subject, Aliyu A. Wali

June 17, 2014, 6:04 pm

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