Clashes as Nigeria's fmr bank chief sworn in as Muslim leader

Nigeria's new Muslim monarch, the Emir of Kano, was sworn in today, after a second day of violence fuelled by suspicions that politics, not religion, was behind the appointment.
Thousands of well-wishers turned out at the Kano state government headquarters as Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was given his official letter of appointment to the influential role by governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Sanusi's nomination yesterday sparked violence in the northern city, as supporters of the late emir's eldest son took to the streets armed with sticks and stones, setting fires in protest.
The violence worsened today, as they clashed with supporters of Sanusi and Kwankwaso, who had turned out in their hundreds wearing white robes and red caps to march on the seat of state government.

The post of Emir of Kano -- the second-most senior Islamic leader in Nigeria -- holds major influence across the country's Muslim-majority north and has traditionally been above politics.
But with Sanusi having been suspended in February for alleging corruption at the heart of government and Kwankwaso a leading member of the main opposition, many saw his appointment as political.

Sanusi, dressed in white royal robes and a turban, vowed before an audience of Muslim clerics, senior members of the Kano emirate, community leaders and local officials that he would uphold Muslim values.
But the 52-year-old said he did not believe the clashes were linked to the late emir Ado Abdullahi Bayero's son, who was seen as his main rival for the post.

None of the late emir's seven sons were present at the ceremony, however, fuelling further rumours of a rift.
"I believe no son of the emir will instigate people into lawlessness," the former central banker told the audience.
"We are the same family, our parents are the same. With Allah rests all power and He gives it to whoever he wishes.
"We should not allow outsider to divide us. Those organising this riots are not part of the Kano royal family."
Kwankwaso, who approved the recommendations of royal courtiers, also dismissed insinuations that the appointment was politically motivated, saying it was based on competence alone.

Sanusi's grandfather was the late emir's brother, who had a short-lived reign as monarch of the ancient emirate in the 1960s. His wife is also the late emir's daughter.