Sanusi urges Unity to rebuild Northern Nigeria, commends Yusuf at Tijjaniyya prayer gathering

Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, has called on traditional rulers, political leaders and residents of Northern Nigeria to unite in rebuilding the region, saying meaningful progress would only come through collective commitment rather than reliance on others.

Speaking at the annual prayer (Dhikr) organised by the Tijjaniyya Islamic sect at the Kano Emir’s Palace on Friday night, Sanusi urged leaders to focus on improving society, stressing that every leader would ultimately be accountable before Allah for their stewardship.

He lamented the region’s declining image, noting that Northern Nigeria, once admired for its achievements and scholarship, is now unfairly associated with illiteracy, insecurity and underdevelopment.

“We must first change ourselves before asking Allah to change our situation. We cannot continue waiting for others to solve our problems. We must unite and work together to restore the lost glory of our land,” he said.

The Emir also commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for what he described as visible development across Kano State, saying he would not hesitate to criticise the governor if his administration was underperforming.

According to Sanusi, clerics who supported Yusuf’s election did so out of conviction and not for personal gain, insisting that neither he nor the Islamic scholars had sought appointments, contracts or other favours from the governor.

“We are not asking for anything from you. We only ask that you love us as much as we love you,” the Emir said, while thanking the governor for attending the event.

Sanusi also praised the founders of the annual Tijjaniyya prayer gathering, saying the tradition, initiated during the reign of the late Ado Bayero on the advice of Sheikh Nasiru Kabara, has continued uninterrupted and remains a source of spiritual strength for the Muslim community.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf described the weekly and annual Tijjaniyya dhikr as one of the factors promoting peace and harmony in Kano State.

The governor commended the Emir for advancing Islamic scholarship since his return to the throne and praised the Tijjaniyya Shura Council for sustaining the annual gathering.

Yusuf said his administration had taken note of the observations and recommendations made by Islamic scholars at the event and would continue working closely with Tijjaniyya leaders to strengthen religious and social initiatives across the state.

He disclosed that the government had compiled data on members of the Tijjaniyya sect in all the 44 local government areas of Kano State, as well as records of adherents from about 6,000 wards across the country, to facilitate programmes aimed at supporting their welfare.

The governor also revealed that he had spoken with President Tinubu a day before the gathering to brief him about the event, adding that the President conveyed his greetings to participants and expressed his desire to attend the programme personally in the future.

Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance, saying he and other public office holders would remain accountable to the people and to Allah.

With political activities expected to intensify in the coming months, the governor appealed for peaceful conduct throughout the election season, urging residents to continue praying for peace, unity and progress in Kano State.

The annual Tijjaniyya prayer ceremony attracted Islamic scholars and thousands of adherents from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries, who gathered at the Kano Emir’s Palace for prayers, spiritual reflection and discussions on issues affecting the Muslim community and national development.