 |
| Dissolution of Kano emirates proposed by group #KanoEmirates |
A group of citizens in Kano State, known as Yan Dangwalen Jihar Kano (the Kano Electorate), has written to the Kano State House of Assembly, seeking the review and dissolution of the four additional emirates created by the former administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The group also called for the reinstatement of the former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was deposed and banished by Ganduje in 2019.
The group, in a letter dated February 5, 2024, and addressed to the Speaker of the House, said it believed that consolidating the emirates into a single entity would lead to greater unity and progress for the people of Kano. It also said that restoring Sanusi to the throne would foster peace and stability within Kano State and its neighbouring communities.
The letter read in part: "We write to plead and also draw the attention of the honourable members to the law that governs the additional emirs in Kano State. Specifically, we would like to request a review and potential dissolution of the additional emirs and section that led to the creation of the four additional emirates.
"It is our firm belief that consolidating the emirates into a single entity will lead to greater unity and progress for the people of Kano. This consolidation may serve to streamline governance and promote a more cohesive community for the betterment of all citizens.
"We acknowledge the rightful authority of the Kano State House of Assembly in the issue of emirate management. However, we humbly request your esteemed Assembly to revisit and reconsider the decision to remove HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi from his throne. Our belief is based on the belief that his reinstatement will foster unity, peace, and stability within Kano State and its neighbouring communities."
The group described Sanusi as "a highly respected and influential figure who has demonstrated his commitment to the well-being of the people of Kano State throughout his tenure as Emir." It said that Sanusi worked tirelessly to promote social and economic development, education, health care, and improved living standards for the citizens of Kano State.
The group's letter came on the heels of repeated statements by former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso that the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano might revisit Ganduje's action on the Kano emirate. Kwankwaso, who is the leader of the NNPP and a former mentor of Ganduje, had accused the latter of creating the new emirates to weaken the influence of Sanusi, who was seen as a critic of his administration.
However, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the opposition party in the state, has warned against any move to disrupt the current emirates arrangement, saying it might upset the peace of the ancient city. The APC advised the NNPP Governor Abba Yusuf to be careful not to allow himself to be pushed into doing something that could affect the existing peaceful coexistence in the state.
The Publicity Secretary of the APC in Kano State, Ahmad Aruwa, described the call or demands of the group as a fairy tale. He said: "The APC considers the gimmick as a fairy tale. How can a group or politicians protest or tell the government to dissolve the emirates?
"The administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje had achieved a lot including the creation of the new emirates. The new emirates have brought development closer to the people and enhanced the security and welfare of the people."
The Kano state government, on its part, has said that no decision has been made concerning the new emirates established by the previous administration. According to a statement by Sanusi Tofa, chief press secretary to Governor Yusuf, the government is not dissolving the new emirates to reinstate Sanusi, as is being speculated in the social media.
The statement read: "The attention of the Kano State Government has been drawn to a malicious and false report circulating in the social media platforms that the state government has dissolved the four additional emirates and reinstated the former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
"This report is not only false but also misleading and a calculated attempt to cause confusion and disaffection among the peace-loving people of Kano State. The Kano State Government has not taken any decision on the issue of the emirates or the former Emir.
"The government is committed to the rule of law and due process and will not be swayed by any sentiment or pressure from any quarter. The government will continue to work for the development and progress of the state and the well-being of its citizens."
The creation of the four additional emirates in Gaya, Rano, Karaye, and Bichi by Ganduje in 2019 was seen by many as a political move to reduce the power and influence of the Kano emirate, which was headed by Sanusi. The Kano emirate, which traces its origin to the 13th century, is one of the oldest and most revered traditional institutions in Nigeria.
Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was appointed as the Emir of Kano in 2014, succeeding his late uncle, Ado Bayero. He was known for his outspoken views on various national and regional issues, such as corruption, poverty, education, and security. He also advocated for reforms in the traditional and religious practices of the people of Kano, especially on issues affecting women and children.
However, his progressive and reformist stance often put him at loggerheads with the political establishment, especially Ganduje, who accused him of meddling in politics and disrespecting his authority. In March 2020, Ganduje deposed Sanusi and banished him to Nasarawa State, citing insubordination and breach of tradition as the reasons for his removal. Sanusi later challenged his deposition and banishment in court, and was granted bail by a federal high court in Abuja.
Sanusi, who is currently based in Lagos, has not commented on the latest development regarding the emirates. He has, however, maintained that he has no intention of returning to the throne, even if it is offered to him. He said he considers his dethronement as an act of God and a blessing in disguise.
Hashtags:
#KanoEmirates #Sanusi #Ganduje #NNPP #APC #Nigeria
