The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, yesterday evening made a surprise appearance at the presidential villa where he observed the break of the Ramadan fast with President Goodluck Jonathan.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor joined some northern royal fathers, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III to Aso Rock for the breaking of Ramadan fast with the president.

This was the very first meeting between the president and Sanusi since the latter became the emir of Kano. Jonathan had on February 20, 2014, suspended Sanusi from his position as governor of the CBN over allegations of financial recklessness.

During the break of the fast at the president’s residence, Sanusi led others in a special prayer for peace, while Jonathan later shook hands with him and all the royal fathers in attendance.

Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, the Sultan condemned the bombings in Kaduna yesterday, saying that those behind the gory act were enemies of humanity. He maintained that the Boko Haram sect and their sponsors were persons who had no Islamic agenda.

The Sultan also appealed to the president to grant the royal fathers audience in no distant future for a parley on issues of national importance.

On his part, Jonathan, who granted the Sultan’s request, urged the royal fathers to team up with his administration to end the ongoing insurgency. He urged the royal fathers to pray even more fervently for the country.

“It could have been worse than this if not for prayers. We will surely get over it. We are doing our best to ensure we end this situation and with the support of Nigerians, we shall surely overcome,” Jonathan said.

Sanusi, who was still contesting his suspension as the CBN governor in court, was crowned the Emir of Kano following the death of the former Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero.

But Sanusi had on July 1, this year, dropped the suit against the federal government.

•Credit (except for amended headline): LEADERSHIP. Photo shows Emir Sanusi and President Jonathan shaking hands . . . yesterday evening at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

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