In defence of Sarki Sanusi

Silence, they say, is golden. In fact, if you choose to be silent amidst atrocities that affect your life, you will be called names including buffoon. And at the same time, if you choose to be commenting on everything concerning daily life, you will be accused of ranting unguarded utterances. History has it that Emirs […]

Silence, they say, is golden. In fact, if you choose to be silent amidst atrocities that affect your life, you will be called names including buffoon. And at the same time, if you choose to be commenting on everything concerning daily life, you will be accused of ranting unguarded utterances.

History has it that Emirs were never known to be silent over happenings in their environments, in fact they were known to be bold, courageous, and also served as the political heads, religious leaders of the community, and the supreme judges of the court of law. The summation of all the above therefore necessitate Emirs to be airing their views unconditionally, and also serve as moral moderators.

If you accuse Emir Sanusi of being Blabby or saying something that is supposed to be kept secret, you can’t accuse him of being silent while things are going the other way round. Agreed that some of his comments are not in tandem with our culture or beliefs but he chooses not to be party to our sufferings in silence.

I personally condemned some of his views publicly in national dailies especially where I opposed him of being part of the solution to the problems he usually raised during public gathering. But his utterances are still relevant considering the deplorable situation of our lives.

It is high time traditional leaders stopped narrowing their influence to mere Durbar or festival competitions while their wards are suffering in silence. They are institutions of justice and cultural preservation through seeking justice to their wards. In this time of globalisation and advancement in knowledge, the likes of Emir Sanusi are important, especially to a city that is known for international trading and exchange centre for Northern cities.

Placing political interest over things that we know are beneficial to our collective progress will only take us backward and land us to a state of regret and melancholy. Removing him as Emir will only give him more confidence to speak on issues that affect society including governance.

Now that North appears to have neither a committee of elders, nor a true elder statesman that can frown at nonchalant attitude of both traditional and political leadership, prayers of salvation is inevitable so that GOD may bring succor to our sufferings. Oh Allah, guide our affairs right and not let transgressor succeed in destabilising us. Amen!

Usman Yahaya Misau   [email protected]