Kano, Nigeria — Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, has issued a public appeal to the Nigerian government for assistance in resolving the escalating Fulani crisis. He has offered his expertise and influence to facilitate a permanent resolution to the long-standing herders-farmers conflict.
Speaking at his palace on Tuesday, while receiving the leadership of Tapital Pulaku Njode Jam Nigeria, a prominent Fulani organization, Emir Sanusi expressed deep concern over the suffering endured by the Fulani people nationwide. He described their struggles as severe, citing social isolation, violence, and cattle theft as persistent threats that have left the community vulnerable.
“The Fulani in Nigeria have suffered heavy attacks, isolation, killings, and the rustling of their cattle,” Sanusi stated. “This rejection is widespread across the country, and something needs to be done to address the situation.”
The Emir also acknowledged that while the Fulani community has faced significant hardships, some members of the group have contributed to the negative image that now follows them. “It is not untrue that there are some bad eggs among the Fulani who have tarnished the good name of the people and subjected them to the suffering they endure today,” he noted.
Emir Sanusi stressed that now is the time for the government to work with traditional leaders like himself to find a permanent solution to the Fulani crisis, particularly in resolving conflicts between herders and farmers. He emphasized that a joint effort could also address criminal elements within the community who have further damaged their reputation.
“I, for one, am ready to help the government achieve the desired mission of peace and prosperity among the Fulani and indeed all Nigerians,” Sanusi declared. “Their suffering must stop, and I believe that together, we can achieve this.”
While expressing his readiness to assist, Sanusi underscored that he cannot succeed in this mission alone. He called for full backing from the federal government, which has the resources and authority to implement a comprehensive strategy to address the crisis. The Emir’s call for cooperation signals his willingness to take an active role in resolving one of Nigeria’s most pressing issues.
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is not only a traditional ruler but also a highly respected religious leader across Nigeria and West Africa. His influence extends beyond the Fulani community, having played significant roles in Nigerian financial and political spheres. A former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi has long been a prominent figure in the country’s governance.
However, Sanusi’s journey has not been without challenges. In 2019, the Kano State House of Assembly passed a law dividing the Kano Emirate into five, creating four new emirates—Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye—a move widely seen as an attempt to diminish Sanusi’s influence. In 2020, he was deposed by then-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje following tensions between the two.
Sanusi’s removal from the throne was highly controversial, but in May 2024, his fortunes shifted once again when Kano’s current governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, reinstated him four years after his ousting.
Despite the political battles, Sanusi has continued to play a crucial role in mediating conflicts in Nigeria and beyond. Recently, he was part of a high-level delegation that met with Niger’s coup leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, as part of efforts to resolve the political crisis following the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum.
With decades of experience in both the public and private sectors, Emir Sanusi has positioned himself as a mediator capable of navigating the complex challenges facing Nigeria. His call for federal support in resolving the Fulani crisis comes at a critical time, as the country grapples with increasing insecurity and ethnic tensions.
