Many years ago, filled with childish exuberance, I had a funny encounter with the now late Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi (Emir of Dutse). I was about six years old and my dad was on secondment working in one of the agencies in Jigawa State.
Dutse was a quiet town gradually developing. For the years my dad worked there, we usually spent our holidays in Dutse. It was fun! So much peace. As kids, we conveniently went hiking with our elder brothers and other family friends. We explored different areas of the town and had picnics on hilltops. We visited other towns like Birnin Kudu and Kano during weekends. We casually climbed amalanke (wheelbarrow), explored date plantations, housing estates being developed, had multiple family gatherings and celebrations filled with merriment.
During one of the holidays, a new emir was installed and it was coronation day! I vividly remember how we packed ourselves in a J5 bus and headed to the streets where we gleefully celebrated the new emir.
A few days later, I had a crazy wish! Some months later during another holiday, the emir’s wife was casually informed and the information reached the emir. Well, we received an invitation to meet the emir. That day was fun! It was a quiet day in the palace and we jumped on multiple sofas in the numerous sitting areas, then finally we were ushered into a large room. The emir casually walked in, took a seat while we were all seated on the carpet. After exchanging pleasantries, he specifically asked for the person among us who had sent her wish. I confidently walked across the large room to where he was seated. He picked me up and I sat next to him on the kujerar sarauta (throne).
May Allah’s mercy be upon the soul of Alhaji Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi. Ameen!
Pharm Basira Kankia Lawal (PhD) wrote from Kaduna.
