Sanusi Receives Letter of Reinstatement, Court Says Halt

By Abdullahi Jallaludeen/ Muzha Kucha

In a formal ceremony held at the Africa House within the Government House Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State presented a letter of reappointment to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, reinstating him as the 16th Emir of Kano.

Governor Yusuf emphasised that the decision to reinstate Emir Sanusi was aimed at revitalising the esteemed heritage of Kano.

He expressed gratitude to the Speaker and members of the Kano State House of Assembly for their dedication in representing the desires of the people of Kano through the revision of the Kano Emirate Law.

During the presentation of the reappointment letter, Governor Yusuf underscored Emir Sanusi’s vast experience and expertise, highlighting his potential to contribute significantly to the advancement of the Emirate and the state.

He urged the reinstated Emir to utilise his knowledge for the betterment of both the Emirate and the broader community, emphasising the importance of fostering peace and harmony.

The ceremony was attended by prominent government officials, district heads, traditional title holders, and various stakeholders, symbolising the significance of the occasion in the region.

Reactions trails the development in Kano

In 2019, the creation of additional Emirates of Karaye, Gaya, Rano, and Bichi by former governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje had increased the number of first-class Emirs to five, leading to the deposition of the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.

However, in a recent sitting, the state Assembly passed the Kano State Emirates Councils (Repeal) Bill, 2024, thereby establishing a single emirate council in the state.

This move has elicited a range of reactions with some residents expressing concerns about the centralisation of traditional power, while others welcome the return of Emir Sanusi Muhammad II.

Nurudeen Jibril, sees the reversal as the will of God, attributing leadership to divine selection.

Meanwhile, Buhari Abba voices worries that the dissolution might set a precedent for future governments to interfere with traditional institutions, potentially distorting the state’s historical fabric.

Salisu Muhammad, a businessman, expresses joy at Emir Sanusi Muhammad II’s return, praising his leadership qualities and philanthropy.

Police presence around the deposed Emir’s palace adds to the solemn mood.

The situation underscores the complexities surrounding traditional governance and the sentiments it evokes among the populace.

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Kano has issued an ex-parte order halting Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from reinstating Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II until a substantive lawsuit regarding the reinstatement is resolved.

The court also objected to the abolition of four emirates: Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, and Rano.

Justice Liman issued an order directing all concerned parties to uphold the current situation until the lawsuit contesting the recent actions by the Kano State Government brought forth by Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Babba-Dan Agundi, is resolved.

The defendants named in the lawsuit encompass various entities: the Kano State government, the Kano State House of Assembly, the Speaker of the State Assembly, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, the Inspector General of Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Security.

Justice Liman’s directive instructs the parties involved to maintain the state of affairs as it was before the enactment and approval of the bill into law, pending the adjudication of the Fundamental Rights application.

This legal decision coincides with Governor Yusuf’s announcement earlier in the day, wherein he confirmed the re-appointment of Emir Sanusi shortly after endorsing the Kano Emirate Council (Amended) bill into law.

The signing ceremony took place at the government house, with the presence of the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Ismaila Falgore, and other key officials.

“Considering the Constitutional and Jurisdictional Issues evident on the face of the application, the parties are required to address the Court on these matters during the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application scheduled for June 3, 2024.

“To maintain peace and security in the state, this Honorable Court has issued an Interim Injunction restraining the Respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing, and operationalising the Kano State Emirate Law Council (Repeal) Law.

“The parties are instructed to maintain the status quo before the passage and approval of the bill until the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.”

The Judge adjourned the case until June 3, 2024, for further proceedings.

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