APC Warns as Assembly Receives Letter to Dissolve Kano Emirates

A group, Yan Dangwalen Jihar Kano (the Kano Electorate), has written to the Kano State House of Assembly, seeking the review of the law establishing four additional emirates in Gaya, Rano, Karaye, and Bichi by the immediate-past administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

The group also called for the reinstatement of the former Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II.

The call by the group comes on the heels of repeated statements by former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso that the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party in Kano might revisit Ganduje’s action on the Kano emirate.

But speaking with press on Wednesday, the All Progressives Congress warned against any move to disrupt the current emirates arrangement, as created by Ganduje, saying it might upset the peace of the ancient city.

The opposition party advised NNPP Governor Abba Yusuf to be careful so as not to allow himself to be pushed into doing something which, could affect the existing peaceful coexistence in the state.

On Wednesday, Yan Dangwalen Jihar Kano made available to press a copy of its letter dated February 5, 2024, which it addressed to the Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly.

In the letter, also copied to the Kano State Governor, Kano State Deputy Governor and Secretary to the State Government, the group said, “The dissolution of the emirates an
the Emir of Kano will foster unity, peace, and stability within Kano State and its neighbouring communities.

“We write to plead and also draw the attention of the honorable 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, while describing 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,” said it would be in the overall interest of Kano to restore him to the throne.

“During his time in office, he worked tirelessly to promote social and economic development, education, health care, and improved living standards for the citizens of Kano State.

“Removing HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi from his throne has caused division and unrest among the people of Kano State, creating unnecessary tension within the community.

“We humbly urge the esteemed members of the Assembly to consider this matter in the interest of the progress and unity of Kano State. Your thoughtful consideration of this issue will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the future of our community.

“We hope our plea will be honorably considered as an important matter and look forward to the positive outcomes that can arise from this crucial review,” the group said.

However, the Publicity Secretary of the APC in Kano State, Alhaji Ahmad Aruwa, described the call or demands of the group as a fairy tales.

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 APC, as a party, is not bothered because the state government under the former Governor Ganduje has done what it was supposed to do by creating the emirates and people have seen their importance.

“Traditional institutions are supposed to be respected and the group didn’t complain or protest when the emirates were created.”

Aruwa said if the NNPP government wanted to dissolve the new emirates, it should come out clean rather than sponsoring “some mercenaries in the name of group seeking the dissolution of the new emirates.”

“What Kano needs now is peace, not something that can cause trouble for the state and its residents,” Aruwa said.

However, when contacted, the Kano State Chairman of the NNPP,  Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa, said, “Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. So, the group is entitled to its opinion.”

The immediate-past governor of the state, Ganduje, had in 2019 signed a law splitting the Kano emirate into five through the creation of four new ones.

He subsequently dethroned Sanusi, who was the 14th Emir of Kano, in March 2020 and banished him to Nasarawa State.

A statement by then Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, said Sanusi was dethroned  for “total disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the state governor and other lawful authorities, including his persistent refusal to attend official meetings and programmes organised by the government without any lawful justification which amount to total insubordination.”