The Kano State House of Assembly has decided to amend the State’s traditional rulers’ deposition and appointment law, originally utilized by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to remove Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano, in 2020.
During the Assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday, the motion to amend the law was presented by Hussien Dala, the Majority Leader and representative of Dala constituency.
In 2020, prior to Sanusi II’s removal, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje signed a controversial Bill into law, dividing the old Kano Emirate into five separate emirates. This move triggered widespread debate and discord among various stakeholders in the state.
These proposed amendments come amidst growing calls for the reinstatement of deposed Emir Sanusi, who was removed from his position in a controversial move in 2020.
The 2019 amendment had divided the historic Kano Emirate into five distinct emirates, creating Rano, Karaye, Gaya, and Bichi Emirates and appointing First Class Emirs to lead them.
While presenting the motion, Dala said, “The need to revisit the Emirs Law has become imperative to address the issues that have arisen from the 2019 amendment. We must ensure that our traditional institutions are governed by laws that reflect fairness and justice.”
There has been significant public pressure to restore Muhammad Sanusi II to his former position. A resident of Kano, Mallam Ibrahim Musa, expressed his hope for Sanusi’s return, saying, “Sanusi is a man of integrity and vision. His removal was a great loss to Kano, and bringing him back would be a step towards rectifying past wrongs.”
The amendment process will involve thorough scrutiny and possible public hearings to ensure all voices are heard. The Speaker of the House, Abdulaziz Garba Gafasa, emphasized the importance of transparency and inclusiveness in the legislative process.
“We are committed to conducting a fair and open amendment process. All stakeholders will have the opportunity to contribute to the discussions,” he assured.
The Kwankwasiyya movement, a political faction within Kano’s ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party, have strongly advocated for the reinstatement of Sanusi II and the dissolution of the newly formed emirates of Bichi, Gaya, Rano, and Karaye.
However, there are opposing groups arguing for the retention of the new emirates, asserting their importance and functionality.
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the ruling NNPP in Kano State, hinted at a reassessment of the emirates issue a month before Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf assumed office in 2023.
“We campaigned and we are well-known in Nigeria, especially in Kano. What we showed the people is by God’s grace all the good projects we started when we were in government. This governor (Abba Kabir Yusuf) and his team will pick up from where we left off,” Kwankwaso stated.
He stressed the importance of prudent decision-making by the new administration. “We as elders in the movement will continue to advise them to do things that are proper. We tried not to talk about whether the Emir would be removed or not, but now you see, the opportunity is there.”
“Those who God made leaders will now decide on the next step and decision to take. They will review it and determine what is the right thing to be done,” he added.
Kwankwaso further remarked, “Apart from the issue of changing the emir, the emirates have now been divided into five. All of that will be reviewed too. When a leader comes into power, whether in a country, state, or local government area, he inherits things that are good and things that are difficult and challenging.”
“We are confident God will give the governor (Abba Kabir Yusuf) the wisdom to come and resolve the challenges planted in Kano state so that everyone will leave peacefully in Kano state,” Kwankwaso concluded.
The following days are expected to witness further developments as the Kano State House of Assembly progresses with the legislative process to amend the law.
