On Wednesday night, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, the 14th Emir of Kano, paid a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to the Daily Trust, his arrival at the Villa around 8:25 p.m. followed a meeting between a high delegation of the Nigeria Islamic Ulama and the President.
Before his visit, he had recently returned from the Niger Republic, where he held discussions with the military junta that had seized power from President Mohamed Bazoum, who was democratically elected. It was reported earlier that Sanusi had engaged in these talks to explore possibilities for negotiation.
Sources have revealed that Sanusi went to Niger in his capacity, but he first briefed President Tinubu about his intentions.
A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had previously attempted to mediate between the military rulers and the junta but was unsuccessful in securing a meeting.
However, on Wednesday, footage of Sanusi, who holds great influence within the Tijjaniya sect, which has a significant following in Niger, began circulating. He is recognized as the Khalifa of the Tijjaniya sect in Nigeria.
During his visit to Niger, the respected Nigerian economist met with the leaders of the junta, accompanied by the Sultan of Damagaran, the third-largest city in Niger. Sources informed journalists that his purpose for the trip was to initiate negotiations with the junta.
One source stated, “His Highness took the trip with the knowledge of President Bola Tinubu, considering his concerns about the deadlock and the potential impact it is already having on Nigeria-Niger relations and the citizens of both countries.”
This meeting occurred just one day before the gathering of ECOWAS leaders in Abuja. As the Chairman of ECOWAS, Tinubu had arranged a meeting scheduled for Thursday following the expiration of the 7-day ultimatum issued by the regional bloc, demanding the reinstatement of President Bazoum.
NigeriaNow (
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