CHAPTER XLVIII BRITISH POLICY IN NORTHERN NIGERIA The first feeling of the territories appeared to be one of profound relief, and the High Commissioner hastened to take advantage of the favourable movement by a speedy declaration of British policy. In Kano, as has been seen, he had left the Wombai as provisional chief, with the intention of appointing him to the emirate if he should prove satisfactory ; in Katsena and Gando the reigning emirs had made submission ; in Sokoto, as in Kano, the emir had fled, leaving the throne vacant.

The work of reconstruction began with Sokoto. It has been seen in the case of the southern emirates how useful the old Councils of Notables had proved in enabling the British Administration to appoint in every case emirs chosen according to the law and custom of the land. The same principle was adopted at the heart of the Fulani empire. The Sarikin Muslimin, or Commander of the Faithful, as the Sultan of Sokoto was called, was the chief who of old gave investiture to the lesser emirs chosen by their own Council of Notables.

But to the Sarikin Muslimin himself no investiture was given. He was elected by the Council of Notables drawn from certain tribes. Immediately on the fall of Sokoto, and the submission of the headmen, the High Commissioner, having been informed of the flight of the emir, called the Council together and asked them to consider whether the emir, who had very lately succeeded to the throne, should be recalled and reinstated, or whether a new emir should be appointed. Time was taken to consider the matter. The decision of the 449 2 F