Kano Appeal Court Puts the Brakes on Government’s Repeal of Emirates Law
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In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Kano, presided over by Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, has taken decisive action against the Kano State government’s attempt to repeal the Kano Emirates Council Law.
The court’s ruling, delivered on Thursday, nullified all steps taken by the government after the controversial reinstatement.
The Street Reporters Newspaper reports that the Kano House of Assembly had previously repealed the law, leading to the dethronement of Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf implemented this decision, further reversing the creation of four emirates: Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya. The emirs appointed by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje were also dismissed.
However, the same law was later used to reappoint the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who had been dethroned by Ganduje in 2020. This legal maneuver sparked controversy and prompted a challenge from Aminu Babba Danagundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate.
Court’s Verdict
Justice Liman’s ruling was unequivocal. He set aside all actions taken by the government, emphasizing that they were in violation of the court’s order to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motions on notice. The judge expressed concern about flouting court orders and emphasized that due process should have been followed.
The Judge ruled: “I hereby order that every step taken by the government is hereby nullified and becomes null and invalid, and that this does not affect the validity of the repealed Emirates Law but actions taken by the governor, which include the assenting to the law and the reappointment of Sanusi.
“I have listened to the audio of the governor both in Hausa and English after assenting to the law, and I am convinced that the respondents are aware of the order of maintaining status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motions on notice in the court.
“Having been satisfied that the respondents are aware of the court order, the court, in exercise of its powers, set aside an action because it is in violation of the court’s order. I think it is a very serious matter for anyone to flout the orders of the court and go scot-free with it.”
“The respondents,” Justice Liman stated, “decided to act according to their whims and caprices, a situation that landed them in a serious mess.” His ruling nullified the government’s actions, rendering them null and invalid.
Implications
The court’s decision has far-reaching implications for the Kano State government, the emirate system, and the affected emirs. It underscores the importance of respecting legal processes and court orders, even in contentious matters. As the legal battle continues, stakeholders await further developments.
