Emir Sanusi: Current investigations in Kano may mar board membership of MTN if..
Whereas the recent appointment of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor and current Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammmadu Sanusi II into the prestigious board of leading telecom giant in Nigeria, MTN is yet to takeoff come July, industry analysts have started weighing the chances of MTN reviewing its decision.
Recall that as part of new restructuring in the group’s parent body in South Africa, MTN Nigeria had been advised to deepen its board with Nigerians of classy integrity, with strong socio-political influence, but unfolding financial misappropriation crisis surrounding the monarch in Kano may weaken the earlier decision of the telecom giant.
Observers say MTN Nigeria may have been at crossroads since the news of the report of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, which recommended the suspension of the Emir of Kano, broke.
Recall that the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr Muhuyi Magaji, had made it clear that the recommendation followed an allegation of misappropriation of the emirates funds and obstruction of the ongoing investigation.
Magaji had told Channels TV on Tuesday that it was necessary for the emir to be suspended, in order for the investigation to proceed.
According to him, “The recommendation of the Committee was based on overwhelming evidence of the alleged involvement of the traditional ruler in illegal spending of the emirate’s funds”.
Magaji further revealed that already, a request has since been submitted to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, copied to the Office of the Governor and all other relevant authorities.
The Committee chairman disclosed that the commission has been investigating the emir over allegations of unnecessary spending of emirate’s funds to the sum of over four billion naira.
Efforts to reach the monarch failed as indications emerged that for the fact the matter is in court of competent jurisdiction, not much can be said now by His Royal Majesty, Emir Sanusi.
Business Hilights recalls that gradual build up to the problem of the monarch had emerged when the State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, created additional four Emirate Councils which analysts said was a political ploy to water down the intimidating powers of the former bank chief.
Though the matter is still in court, the state government further directed him to start reporting to the chairman of his Local Government rather than usual direct access to the Governor.
Only hours to the recent Eid Sallah celebration, the Governor cancelled an annual city parade usually done in honour of the powerful traditional emir, which analyst saw as a sign of the frosty relationship between the Ganduje and Sanusi.
Otherwise, Governor Ganduje scrapped the horseback procession by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, after a security meeting held late on Wednesday.
Historically, the said procession in the ancient city of Kano remains a symbolic march celebrating the power of the monarch that is usually held to mark the end of the Muslim month of Ramadan.
Analysts say the bungled traditional march usually sees the emir pay tribute to the governor while on horseback during such Sallah celebrations.
