FORMER Emir of Kano and now Khalifah, Tijaniyat Movement of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (Sanusi II), has said that he cried when he saw himself through the eyes of other people.
The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor disclosed this today during the presentation of the play Emir Sanusi: A Truth in Time, a stage play that portrays the lives, drama and intrigues surrounding both his dethronement as Emir of Kano and his grandfather, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi (Sanusi I).
The ex-First Bank of Nigeria MD/CEO said, “When I watched the play in Abuja, I cried because I saw myself through the eyes of other people. When I spoke to a close associate, she said that what I witnessed was a blessing because people don’t live to witness such.”
“When my family and friends heard that Joseph Edgar was telling the story about my life, they told me to go through the script, but I resisted the urge to peep. But I am glad that they told my story in the most captivating way with the basic facts,” he added.
Sanusi further state that he will be ungrateful to Allah if he expresses regret over his removal as emir, adding that he has no regret in spite of the positions he occupied in life. “I don’t think that God has taken anything away from me. So, I have no regret. I turned 61 years last year and in those years, I had the honour of having been the Chief Risk Officer at United Bank for Africa (UBA) and the Chief Risk Officer at First Bank.
“I was Governor of Central Bank, Emir of Kano and now Khalifah (Leader), Tijaniyat Movement of Nigeria. If I have sadness, then I’m ungrateful. How many people have had the opportunity to be just one of those things?” he stated.
According to him, many traditional rulers held leadership positions such as army generals, governors, comptroller general of Customs and others before their appointment as traditional rulers. He added that these traditional rulers gave their bits to serve the country.
“We have a long history of service to this country. My father as first Director-General of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency set up the agency in1960, the record is there to see. My parents, grandparents and great grandparents gave their lives to build this country. We will continue to devote energy to build this country. It doesn’t belong to anyone; it belongs to all of us,” Sanusi enthused.
Asked if he had a choice between sacrificing his principles and holding on to position, which one he would give up, the former Emir said the position, stressing that “history is always the best judge. The things that I said would happen, that caused me so much trouble, have happened.
“For me, I have absolutely no regret and I will continue to speak and voice my views. I will continue to defend this country,” he said.
He urged the Nigerian youths to wake up to their responsibilities, by asking questions, demand answers and hold public office holders accountable. “As citizens of this country, the future is in our hands; if care is not taken, there will be no country for the youths with the way this country is heading.
“If the ministers, the commissioners, the governors and the local government chairmen did their jobs as they should, Nigeria will be better for it. Ask questions, clarify issues, and don’t sweep it under the carpet.
“Often times, I am criticised for publicly speaking against government policies, but what most people don’t know is the fact that I speak with these government officials privately sometimes for months or years before I go public,” he stated.
Sanusi commended the cast and crew of the play, saying “it was well detailed”. He added that he was overwhelmed with emotions when he saw the play in Abuja on Saturday, but noted that the Lagos performance was well interpreted and detailed, which made it interesting.
The Khalifah also urged Nigerians not to be slaves to either wealth, money or power because it could be taken away from them.
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