The Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Isma’il Falgore, received the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Hawan Nasarawa event, at the state government house.
The Independent Mirror reports that, following earlier concerns over the governor’s absence, a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information, Ibrahim Adam, confirmed that top government officials were present at the reception.
These included the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief of Staff, commissioners, local government chairmen, and other senior officials.
Adam in a statement sent to Independent Mirror explained that Governor Yusuf was in Lagos attending the Progressive Governors’ Forum meeting, which accounted for his absence.
Historically, Hawan Nasarawa is a significant cultural durbar procession in Kano State, held on the second day after both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
The event serves as a formal homage by the Emir of Kano to the state governor at the Government House (Africa House).
During the ceremony, the Emir traditionally rides on horseback in a colourful procession from his palace to the Government House to pay homage to the governor.
However, in a departure from tradition this year, Emir Sanusi II arrived at the Government House in a motorcade instead of the customary horseback procession.
The governor’s absence at the ceremony raised concerns among residents, as the event is traditionally marked by the presence of the state’s number one citizen.
