The dethronement of former Emir of Kano State, Muhammad Sanusı II, has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians. While some condemn the actions of Governor Ganduje, others see Sanusı's ordeals as pay back for the roles he played in Jonathan's loss in the 2015 presidential election.
Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has expressed its disapproval over the iIIegal arrest and detention of Sanusı hours after his dethronement as Emir of Kano State.
The rights group in a statement posted on its Facebook page, condemned Sanusı's arrest and demand his release within 48 hours.
It said, "We strongly condemn the arbitrary arrest and detention of dethroned Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.
"He has a constitutional right to liberty and freedom of movement.
"Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release him.
"We'll take legal action against the Nigerian and Kano state authorities to enforce dethroned Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II fundamental right, if he is not released from iIIegal detention within the next 48 hours."
The removal of Sanusi was announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, who said the removal was with immediate effect.
Sanusı was accused of disregard for the office of the governor and other government agencies. His action was said to have violated the part 3 section A-E of Kano state law, hence the removal.
The former Emir has since been replaced by Bayero who prior to Sanusi's removal, was the emir of Bichi, one of the emirates created by Ganduje.
The dethroned Emir has made his first statement expressing gratitude to God for bringing him out of the palace alive.
He said, “Whenever God says your time on the throne is over, if you don’t leave with your legs, people will carry your body out of the palace.”