The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero was the man of the moment yesterday when he was praised by President Goodluck Jonathan for his wisdom, competence and diligent leadership which together, prevented terrorists and insurgents such as the Boko Haram terrorist group from establishing firm roots in the ancient city.
President Jonathan, who spoke when a delegation from Alhaji Bayero led by the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, visited him at the presidential villa, said that the nation owed the Emir a huge debt of gratitude for his efforts which have greatly helped to prevent Kano’s large population of youths from falling under the influence of extremists.
The president restated his condemnation of the recent terrorist attack on Alhaji Bayero which he said was most reprehensible. “We thank God Almighty for sparing his life. We will continue to pray that God should grant him many more years of fruitful service to the people of Kano and Nigeria,” he noted.
President Jonathan told members of the delegation who came to convey the Emir’s appreciation for the president’s support and representation at the recent celebrations to mark the Emir’s 50th year on the throne that the Emir was one of the most decent and respectable Nigerians he had had the privilege of interacting with.
The president said that Alhaji Bayero’s successful rulership of Kano for over 50 years was quite significant and worthy of celebration. Sanusi, who is also Dan Majen Kano, delivered a personal letter of appreciation from Alhaji Bayero to the president.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Sanusi said Bayero greatly appreciated President Jonathan’s interest, support, goodwill and representation at all the major events organised to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ascension to the throne of the Kano Emirate.
The delegation also included Prince Ahmed Ado Bayero, Mallam Abdulqadir Mustafa and Mallam Munir Sanusi.