The 14th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II has declared that Nigeria is “living on an extra time”. The deposed Emir was speaking during a reception organized in honor of, Chief Tayo Sowunmi, the Babanla Adinni of Egbaland, to commemorate his 80th birthday held in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun state. He said, greater challenges are still ahead for Nigeria from 2023, calling on the presidential aspirant to prepare for the greater task ahead, saying is no longer going to be business as usual.
The former CBN governor, also a Khalifa of the Tijaniyya Islamic sect, said, “To be honest, we are living on extra time. In 2015, we were in a deep hole. In 2023, we will be in an even much deeper hole than in 2015.
He explained, “The challenges facing all those people who are struggling to be President, I hope they understand that the problems that they are going to face are multiples of the problems that were faced in 2015 and all of us have to be ready for difficult decisions and if they are taken, we are all going to pay for it.
“But the solution is not for all of us to jump into politics, this country needs good politicians, it needs Imams and pastors and bishops who are going to stand up and remind them (politicians) of the fear of God. It needs technocrats who are going to critique their policies, it needs traditional rulers who are going to speak as the conscience of the people, everyone has a role to play and we should try to play that role to the best of our ability.”
The deposed Emir denied eying the number one seat ahead of the 2023 general election as is being speculated in some quarters, he said he is contented being a spiritual leader of the Tijaniyya.
He noted that he has contributed his quarter as the country had given him an opportunity at different times to serve his fatherland, and he will forever be grateful to Allah.
Segun Sowunmi, who spoke on behalf of his family, asked if Nigeria should be expecting a future President in Sanusi.
Sowunmi, a former Spokesman to Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, had asked “People who are Khalifa of your quality must never ever be relinquished or extinguished. So, they (people) asked me to ask you, are we going to be looking for a president in the future? Do I even have the answer? I Do not know. But one thing I have said to them is that, for as long as you live, I have taken the liberty to say, you will always be a Nigerian patriot, a detribalized Nigerian, a leader of leaders, a holder of Ummah of Islam, the spiritual leader of the Tijanniya and the leading light of everything beautiful.”