Residents of Awe in Nasarawa State say the presence of the deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has brought them good fortune.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) spoke with several residents on Thursday in Awe, headquarters of Awe Local Government Area (LGA).
Sanusi was sent on exile to Nasarawa after being stripped of his title by Kano State Government on Monday.
A resident, Dauda Muhammad-Awa, said that although he was initially shocked by the news of the emir’s removal, he considered himself lucky living in the same community with him.
“We were saddened by the news of his dethronement, but we consider ourselves lucky hosting him.
“His coming is a blessing to the community,” he said.
Mr Muhammad-Awa said that since the arrival of Sanusi, people have been visiting from all parts of the country to see him.
“People have been visiting from different parts of the country trying to see him, although they were prevented by security agents guarding him.
“Awe is in the news on daily basis because of the banishment of the emir to the town,” he said.
Another resident, Dauda Ibrahim, said the presence of the deposed emir has improved security in the town.
“We have been witnessing enhanced security in the town since the arrival of Sanusi, we thank God for that.
“I want to appeal to the State Government to explore the possibility of improving the road network and other infrastructure in the town,” Mr Ibrahim said.
Fatima Kande, another resident, said that the community would do everything to make Sanusi’s stay memorable.
“We will do everything possible within our power to make the deposed emir’s stay memorable, we hope that one day he would decide to stay with us on his own forever,” Mrs Kande said.
