Yusuf Idris, Kaduna
Former Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II has said Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai of Kaduna State was the first person to show up whenever he is in need of friends and the whole world knows.
The former Emir who made this known when he paid a courtesy call on the governor at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Sunday, explained that he decided that El-Rufai will be the first person he will visit when he steps out of Lagos.
Sanusi II said that he was in the Government House Kaduna, to thank Governor El-Rufai for his friendship, his service to the state and the country at large.
The Monarch also expressed appreciation to the Governor for appointing him as Chancellor of Kaduna State University (KASU) and Vice-Chairman of the Kaduna Invest Promotion Agency (KADIPA).
According to him, Kaduna had already overtaken other states as the leading destination for investments, so “whatever we do, will be simply supporting work that has already been done, and results that are already showing”.
He assured El-Rufai that he will continue to put in his best to support the Governor’s efforts to develop the state and also make his contribution to the Kaduna State University.
“I am always ready to offer advice and counsel and to receive same. As you know, I will be going to Oxford in October for a year, following your footsteps to publish a few books,’’ he said.
Muhammadu Sanusi 11 also thanked the people of Kaduna for the warm reception that they extended to him.
‘’I was overwhelmed by the reception that I received. I did not expect the crowd that I got. The people of Kaduna walked from the Air Force base to Government House and they are still there waiting to escort me to my residence, and I am looking forward to a fruitful seven days in Kaduna, meeting friends and relatives, and also meeting officials of Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency as it is more or less a working visit,’’ he added.
He also prayed God to uphold the Governor, bring peace to the State and the country at large.
Responding, Governor El-Rufai said he is delighted to welcome him to Kaduna, adding, he is deeply touched that Kaduna is the first place HRH Sanusi 11 decided to visit since his relocation to Lagos.
The Governor noted that Kaduna is lucky to have a person of His Highness’s calibre on the board of its investment agency because of his wide global network, integrity and reputation.
