The Kano State Emirate Council has revealed that the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II spent N37 million on telephone calls alone since ascending the throne three years ago.
The Walin Kano and Spokesperson of the emirate council, Mahe Bashir, made the disclosure to newsmen while reacting to reports that the Emir spent as much as N6 billion since he was enthroned in June 2014.
Mahe said the monarch paid N37 million to Airtel to enable him make calls which most times are international.
“It is true that the sum of N37,054,196.06 was paid to Airtel due to the fact that the emir has been identified with only one local mobile phone which he uses within and outside the country.
“Majority of the charges are that of roaming, which is normal. The telephones charges of the palace are paid by the council, particularly when it comes within the provision of the budget.”
Mahe also said that on the advice of the state government, another N142.8 million was used to purchase the Emir’s bullet-proof cars.
“This was as a result of the attack on the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, on his way back from Murtala Muhammed Mosque to the palace.
“The sum of N108 million was paid to the children of the late emir by the council, in respect of the late emir’s personal cars inherited by the present emir.
“The cars now form part of the emirate council’s fleet in the palace,” he said.
Explaining further, Walin disclosed that about N152 million was spent to purchase furniture for the palace because those used by the Emir before Sanusi were removed and given to his children according to Islamic injunction.
He added, “The sum of N152,627,723 was paid to Dabo Gate for the procurement of furniture for the palace.
“After the demise of the emir, all his belongings, including the furniture, were removed and given to his children in accordance with Islamic injunction.”
He added, “The council chartered an air flight twice for His Highness for the following trips: In September 2014 to Sokoto, when the emir paid a traditional homage [Mubaya’a] to the Sultan of Sokoto after his turbaning as Emir of Kano and the council spent N4,651,000.
“In January 2015 for the trip to Benin for his installation as chancellor of the University of Benin and it cost N9,071,000. All the trips were made a as a result of lack of scheduled flight at that time and it cost the council the sum of N13,722,00 as against alleged N9,071,000.”