Kano Gov to Sign Amended Emirates Bill, As Assembly Passes Law Today

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is expected to approve the revised emirates council bill very soon, as the Kano State House of Assembly reconvenes today for a final decision.

It is worth noting that security forces, including police and civil defence personnel, were stationed at key locations in the assembly on Wednesday.

During this time, lawmakers from both the ruling NNPP and main opposition APC parties in the state allowed the bill aimed at abolishing the creation of five emirates to progress to its first reading.

The Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment number 2) Law, 2024, was introduced by Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, who serves as Majority Leader and represents the Dala Constituency.

The Kano State Emirates Council Law 2019, which introduced five new emirates, received approval from former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on December 5, 2019.

Subsequently, the governor endorsed a modification to the law on October 14, 2020, and ratified another amendment on April 11, 2023.

According to Section 3(1) of the legislation, five separate emirates were established: Kano, Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye. Kano and Karaye were allocated eight local government areas each under their jurisdiction; Bichi and Gaya shared nine local government areas each; while Rano Emirate oversaw ten local government areas out of the total of 44 in the state.

Following the removal of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi from his position as council chairman on March 9, 2020, an amendment was made to specify that the council’s chairman would be the emir of Kano Emirate.

Section 12 allows the governor to categorize the emir’s office as first, second, or third class with the consent of the House of Assembly.

A high-ranking member of the assembly, who preferred anonymity, expressed confidence in amending the law despite any obstacles.

He emphasized that they had been prepared for this for a while and believed only divine intervention could prevent the amendment. The assembly would convene a special session today to deliberate and approve the proposed changes.

On the other hand, minority leader Abdul Labaran Madari mentioned that 12 members from APC were open to the amendment as long as it did not involve dissolving any emirates or deposing Emir Aminu Ado Bayero in favor of Muhammad Sanusi.

He acknowledged that opposition members would voice their concerns despite NNPP lawmakers having sufficient votes to pass the amendment. Madari alleged that there were plans within the ruling party to dissolve Bichi Emirate and reinstate deposed Emir Sanusi.

Anxiety intensifies

Reports from various sources in the emirates suggest that there is a sense of unease preceding today’s special session of the Kano Assembly.

The Emir of Kano is currently absent, having traveled to Ogun State, prompting speculation about the implications. Similarly, his brother, the Emir of Bichi, is also not in town, leading to questions about whether this absence is deliberate.

One insider mentioned that once the bill reversing the establishment of the emirates is signed by the Assembly members, the governor will swiftly endorse it. This action could potentially pave the way for the return of the deposed emir by Friday at the latest.

While there are concerted efforts to achieve this goal, reliable sources suggest that some emirs may evade this outcome as plans for a subsequent amendment are rumored to be in motion with a focus on targeting the Kano emir according to one source familiar with developments.