The dethronement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano has elicited reactions from Nigerians who were caught unawares. One of those who have reacted is the founder of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Atedo Peterside who has protested against Sanusi’s ordeal.
In a letter addressed to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Peterside said he would not honour an invitation to a CBN forum as he explained that he could not hide his displeasure at Sanusi’s deposition and eventual banishment from Kano.
The Stanbic IBTC founder was invited as a panellist at a CBN consultative roundtable session taking place in Abuja. Although he thanked CBN for the invitation, he insisted on not participating in the event.
“My refusal to join you has more to do with the monumental events that took place yesterday viz the removal of the emir of Kano from office and the release of information that purportedly seeks to exile him and restrict his movements or confine them to a little known enclave in Nassarawa state,” Peterside said in the open letter.
[READ MORE: Former CBN Governor, Sanusi appointed KADIPA board member)
Details: He went on to talk about the roundtable themed ‘Going for Growth’. Peterside said growth is a concept where investor confidence is boosted through actions like respecting individuals’ freedom and the rule of law.
“Sadly, yesterday’s events have turned back the clock at a time when our economy is at a precipice and when we need to tell ourselves some home truths and speak truth to power in a constructive manner.
“By coincidence, the ex-emir of Kano is your predecessor in the office at CBN. Ordinarily, he qualifies to be invited for tomorrow’s event. Did you invite him?
“I have decided to stay away from your consultative roundtable and to instead use the opportunity of this letter to draw the attention of a wider audience to my displeasure with the events of yesterday. Please forgive me because I am in no mood to immediately pretend as if all is well by proceeding with business as usual,” he said.
READ ALSO: Sanusi declares Nigeria under Buhari a Bankrupt Nation
As Nairametrics reported, the Kano State government on Monday announced the dethronement of the monarch. Sanusi has since been replaced by Aminu Ado Bayero. He has, however, been appointed by Governor El-Rufai into the KADIPA board.
Thank you Sir, logical where common sense is lacking. We need more people like you. Sadly the situation is far from having people who rigorously evaluate decisions before they make them, who weigh the consequences of their actions and place them above their selfish motives. Now Kano monarch is nothing and would be disregarded around the world as a mere public office thanks to this personal vendetta.