I don’t need constitution to advise leaders, Emir Sanusi asserts

2026-02-05 - 03:08

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has emphasised that traditional rulers remain essential pillars of nation-building and sound leadership. He stated that “traditional institutions are key to good governance,” calling for stronger efforts at nation-building. Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, Emir Sanusi said he does not need the constitution to advise the President or state governors on issues affecting the nation. According to him, his authority to offer counsel to constituted authorities derives from the people he leads. Sanusi said: “Do I need to be told to advise the President? Do I need the Constitution to tell me that if I think there is something the country needs, I should go to the President and say, ‘Mr President, I think this is wrong?’ “I don’t need the Constitution. I don’t need the Constitution to tell the governor that I think this is what we should be doing. I get that authority from being a leader of the people. “I know there are people who think that we need to have something in the Constitution. What is in the Constitution that says traditional rulers are there to advise us? We respect that you have executive authority as governor; times have moved.” During the programme, Sanusi also emphasised the importance of inclusive political participation, calling for increased women’s representation in nation-building efforts. He said women have crucial roles to play in promoting inclusive governance and advocated greater representation of women in elective positions. The traditional ruler further condemned domestic violence against women, describing it is wrong for a man to beat a woman under the guise of culture. He said some men abuse their power to oppress women, stressing that women are human beings entitled to protection, regardless of cultural interpretations. “Violence happens in all societies. It’s not about African culture. It’s about power relations where men have power and women are not protected. Men will take advantage of that power and oppress them. “And in our society, the weak and the vulnerable are victims. You have women who are victims of violence. You have young children, you have the poor, you have the disabled. They are all victims.”