THIS is not the best of times for the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi ll.

An eight-member panel was on Wednesday raised by the Kano State House of Assembly to investigate him on some infractions.

Also on Wednesday, the monarch was summoned by the state’s anti-graft body to defend his role in the disbursement of the Emirate Council’s budget.

The development followed allegations leveled against the monarch over alleged violation of cultural, traditional religious norms and values of the people of Kano.

The allegations were contained in a petition submitted to the House by an association and an individual over the emir’s attitude, which the petitioners claimed was not in tune with their culture and religion.

Headed by Deputy Speaker Hamisu Chidare, the committee was given one-week to conclude its investigation and submit its reports, recommending appropriate actions to House for deliberation.

The petitioners are Kano State for Promotion of Education and Culture and Mohammed Mukthar Ja’en Yamma, Gwale Local Government Area. They urged the lawmakers to investigate the alleged misconduct and take appropriate stand on it.

They attached video clips with the petitions to back up their claims.

During the Assembly Plenary Session yesterday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Zubairu Hamza Massu, tabled the petitions against the Emir before the Assembly, disclosing that the petitioners attached video clips, backing their allegations against Emir Sanusi.

Speaker Abdullaziz Garba Gafasa expanded the five-man Standing Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions, including the Deputy Speaker, Chief Whip and Majority Leader to look into the petitions and get back to the Assembly within seven days.

During the session, Lawal Useni Dala (PDP), demanded the content of the petitions but he was overruled by the speaker, who said his objection was belated and against Section 3 (B) of the Assembly Rules, since the petitions have been referred to a committee.

Neither the emir nor his aides could be reached for response. But, the atmosphere in the ancient city was calm.

Also on Wednesday, it was learnt that the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has invited the monarch to appear before it to further answer questions over an alleged misappropriation of N3.4 billion by the Kano Emirate Council under his watch.

A palace source confirmed to this reporter that the emir got a summon from the anti- graft commission.

On whether the emir will honour the invitation, the source said: “That I may not confirm to you, but you know that Emir Sanusi is a law-abiding leader. He has not discussed the development with anyone of us; but I believe he may honour the invitation in person or send a senior palace Chief who is capable of standing for him.”