By John Ogunsemore
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has commended the police for withdrawing the invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday.
Police authorities had summoned Sanusi to Abuja over the violent incident that marred Sallah celebrations in Kano State on March 30, 2025.
In a letter addressed to the Emir and signed by the Commissioner of Police, Olajide Ibitoye, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, he was asked to appear at the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8.
But in a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the withdrawal of the summons on Sanusi.
Adejobi said the invitation was withdrawn after consultations with stakeholders and to ensure policing activities are not politicised or misinterpreted.
In Monday’s statement, Obi said that pushing through with the invitation could have worsened tensions.
He said, “I would like to commend the Nigeria Police Force for the wise and timely decision it took to withdraw the invitation extended to His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II.
“In light of the current tensions within our society, such an invitation was unnecessary and could have further heightened an already inflamed situation.
“There is a fully functional police command in Kano, with sufficient capacity to address such matters within the State. That is precisely why we have senior-ranking officers, including Commissioners of Police and Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), to handle issues of this nature appropriately at the state and zonal levels.
“Once again, I appreciate the decision to withdraw the invitation. A decentralised approach would encourage peace and public trust.”