Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has released N25 million from the state treasury for the maiden edition of annual Muhammadu Sanusi II colloquium.

The request for the fund was contained in a letter signed by the state’s permanent secretary and sent to the commissioners of finance and budget on August 9.

“I am directed to refer to letters reference AC on the above subject (herewith attached) and to convey Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor’s approval for the release of the sum of Twenty five million naira (N25,000,000.00) only for the purpose stated therein,” the document seen by Peoples Gazette stated.

“Accept the assurances of the best regards of the Secretary to the State Government now and always, please,” the statement added.

Expected to be graced by state governors, traditional rulers, top government officials among other dignitaries, the event marks the 60th birthday of the former Emir of Kano.

It was scheduled to be held by 09:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 14 at Umaru Musa Yar’adua hall, Murtala Square, Kaduna City.

Mr Sanusi was dethroned as the Emir of Kano in a letter in March 2020 over alleged disrespect to the lawful instructions from the state authorities. 

The deposed emir was rescued by Mr El-Rufai from Awe, a town in the backwaters of Nasarawa State where he was banished to by the Kano state government.

Mr El-Rufai then swiftly appointed Mr Sanusi as Chancellor of the state’s university just after he also tapped him into the board of Kaduna Investment and Promotions Agency (KADIPA).