Local

By uzair Adam Imam

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST) Wudil has called off its two-week warning strike, which was launched to protest the state government’s handling of several issues.

ASUU had complained about the government’s reluctance to address issues related to university autonomy, staff welfare, and funding, despite efforts by the union and other stakeholders to resolve the matter.

However, following interventions by the Kano State House of Assembly, the House Committee on Higher Education, and the Governor of Kano State, the union has agreed to suspend the strike to allow for further dialogue and implementation of agreed-upon resolutions.

In a statement, ASUU-KUST Chairperson Dr. Aliyu Yusuf Ahmad said they appreciated the prompt intervention by the Kano State Government and relevant stakeholders.

He stated, “We appreciate the prompt intervention of the Governor and other stakeholders, which has created an opportunity for constructive engagement and resolution of the outstanding issues.”

By Dr Raji Bello

Following encouragement from some friends, let me say what I’ve been a bit reluctant to say. It is based on my conviction as a dispassionate and non-partisan observer and of course, as a non-indigene of Kano State.

The root cause of the emirship imbroglio in Kano, in my view, was the inability of Muhammadu Sanusi II to subordinate himself and his office to the Ganduje administration as required by the terms of his appointment. This is essentially what triggered every other thing that has happened and which has led us to where we are today. To correct any problem permanently, we need to examine its root cause.

I am not saying that Sanusi is not an emir of high intellect who is enormously popular among the people. This assessment of mine is based on only one criterion — his willingness or ability to comply with the terms of his appointment — and it is made without prejudice to his qualities, endowments and accomplishments as an individual, technocrat and emir. Like other human beings, the emir is not perfect. He might have excelled in 9 out of 10 criteria but his failure in the 10th is the cause of the emirship crisis because it happened to be a very important criterion.

All post-colonial emirs and traditional rulers have been obligated to demonstrate loyalty and due courtesy to government be it colonial, democratic or military. History is replete with examples of the huge price that was exacted each time an emir fell short on loyalty towards government.

As an intellectual of high standing, the emir must have been aware of that history. When he set out to be emir, he should have been conscious of the terms of appointment and should have fully reflected on whether it was the appropriate platform for someone of his disposition or not. The emir seems to want the Kano emirship in its pristine 19th century form when it didn’t answer to a non-traditional authority. This betrays a lack of situational awareness and good judgement because the reality is that the 19th century is long gone and can never be brought back. So if anyone is interested in becoming emir in the 21st century, it has to be under 21st century terms.

The Ganduje administration had accused the emir of multiple infractions from political partisanship, insurbordination and failure to demonstrate courtesy towards it. Some of these infractions had played out in public for all to see and hear which means that they were not false accusations. I do not fully endorse the former government’s actions (which bore traces of the usual Nigerian impunity) but it is clear that it was provoked into taking actions against the emir. I believe that all state governments are inclined by default to respect the traditional institutions within their states and hostilities only break out when there is a breach of the terms of appointment (usually, but not always) on the part of the traditional rulers.

There is no individual who is so important or popular that they would enjoy exemptions from complying with the terms of their appointment. This is an incontrovertible fact. A friend told me that the emirship style of Aminu Ado Bayero is a bit bland compared to that of Muhammadu Sanusi II. I replied that this is true but the Aminu style is actually the correct one.

Post-colonial emirship is not a radical or revolutionary platform and, after the 1976 Local Government Reforms, the traditional institutions in northern Nigeria lost all the vestiges of authority that were previously delegated to them under the Native Authority system. The post of traditional ruler is now just a custodianship of heritage whose essential features are loyalty, co-operation and circumspection.

Yes, Sanusi is wildly popular, has a deeper intellect, a gifted oratory and displays a higher sartorial elegance but it was Aminu Bayero who was doing the emirship correctly under its current terms. Those who cheered Sanusi as he breached the terms of his appointment were not helping him or the Kano emirship institution.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The devastating bombing of a mosque in Gadan village, Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, has claimed 21 lives, with four more victims succumbing to their injuries.

The attack, which occurred on May 15, has left a community in mourning and shock. 

A total of 25 worshippers were injured in the bombing, with one person dying on the spot.

Twenty others have since passed away at the Muhammed Specialists Hospital, Kano, where they were receiving treatment.

Only four survivors remain in the hospital. 

Alhaji Bature AbdulAziz, Chairman of Friends of the Hospital, confirmed the latest fatalities during a visit to the hospital.

“We have lost 21 precious lives, and we are left with only four patients in the hospital,” he said. 

AbdulAziz praised the hospital’s management for their dedication to treating the victims and expressed gratitude to various individuals and organizations for their support.

These include the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Kano State Government, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. 

The Kano Business Community has also donated N80,000 to each of the victims and N20,000 to other patients in the hospital. 

Governor Abba Yusuf has vowed to prosecute the suspect, who has been charged with culpable homicide and grievous harm, to the fullest extent of the law.

If convicted and sentenced to death, the governor has pledged to sign the death warrant. 

According to the police, the suspect, a 38-year-old man, carried out the attack due to a family dispute over inheritance.

He aimed to draw attention to his grievances by targeting the mosque during dawn prayers.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has banned all public gatherings and demonstrations in the state, citing a potential breakdown of law and order.

This decision comes after intelligence suggested that opposition figures planned to sponsor protests and incite chaos under the guise of supporting the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

According to a statement by the Governor’s Director-General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Tofa, “This decisive action is a preemptive strategy aimed at averting any potential breakdown of law and order orchestrated by adversaries of the state.”

The government has directed security agencies to apprehend, detain, and prosecute anyone violating the order.

“We are privy to credible intelligence indicating that certain prominent figures from the opposition party in Kano have devised plans to sponsor student associations and political agitators from other northwestern states,” Tofa said.

“Their plan is to incite chaos under the guise of advocating for the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.”

Governor Yusuf warned student groups against being manipulated by troublemakers, saying, “Through this declaration, we caution student groups against being manipulated by troublemakers who are resolute in fomenting disorder in Kano.”

He urged citizens to go about their normal activities, assuring them that the government would maintain vigilance to ensure peace in the state.

The governor said, “We urge all citizens of the state to carry on with their normal activities as the state retains its serenity.

“We will persist in vigilant oversight of the situation to address any individuals or factions trying to undermine the relative peace that the state currently enjoys.”

By Fatihu Ibrahim

Sometimes, our directionless life in Nigeria amazes me. Although we were once ruled by British colonists, we adopted the American presidential system, which is not only costly but also ineffective for our country.

With a heavy heart, I reflect on the recent dethronement of the 15th Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero. This event marks yet another instance where the government of Kano State has seemingly exercised its power dictatorially. Aminu was dethroned for no reason other than his association with the Ganduje administration. There was no justification for this action other than political disagreements and personal enmity.

This is the second time this government has taken action that deeply affects me. The first was the demolition of business buildings at the Eid praying ground, which caused the loss of billions of Naira worth of properties. This act indiscriminately affected nearly everyone in the Kofar Wambai market, regardless of political affiliation.

Some might argue about Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s dethronement, which I also believe was wrong. However, at least there were allegations against him, whether true or false. In Aminu’s case, there was no such basis. He has tried to stay out of the political drama, avoiding the turmoil.

One wrong cannot right another. The most troubling aspect of this saga is how quickly the House acted, from proposing the motion to passing the verdict, in stark contrast to the usual legislative process. I recall advocating for gender-based violence laws in Kano State, which took months, if not years, to pass. The double standard is glaring.

The House of Assembly should focus on pressing issues. Our children have performed poorly in the SSCE qualifying exams, and our education system is dire, especially in primary and secondary schools. While I commend the governor for declaring a state of emergency on education, more must be done. Our universities are burdened with a 600 million Naira debt. Yet, the administration is spending 2.7 billion Naira on exotic cars for assembly members, ignoring the plight of the masses who elected them.

Ironically, the member who proposed the dethronement motion has no significant achievements. Many people who share his political affiliation vote for him out of blind loyalty to the party. It’s time we recognise the importance of voting for suitable candidates, regardless of their political views.

Yesterday, it was Sanusi; today, it’s Aminu. Who knows what will happen tomorrow? This cycle of dethronement could continue, with each governor bringing in their emir. What will become of our traditional institutions? Kano is renowned as one of the best Emirates in West Africa, if not the world. If this continues, can we still boast of being the Kano we once were?

Conflicts between the government and the emirate are not new; they date back to the colonial era and span various regimes. The government should find a way to resolve differences with traditional institutions without resorting to dethronement, preserving our history.

Perhaps someday, a governor will return the emirship to the HABE, the original heirs to the throne. There are still descendants of Muhammadu Rumfa and Sarki Muhammad Alwali, the last Hausa king. This, however, is a story for another day. Before anyone questions my loyalty or faith, I am a proud descendant of one of Shehu Dan Fodio’s flag bearers, making me Fulani by genealogy from the Kuninkawa clan.

May Allah bless Kano and its people. May we continue to lead in the political sphere in the north and Nigeria at large.

God bless Nigeria.

Fatihu Ibrahim wrote via fisabbankudi123@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the dethroned Emir of Kano, has returned to the ancient town and taken up residence in a palace in Nassarawa, fueling confusion and tension.

His return came in the early hours of Saturday, when his aircraft landed at Aminu Kano International Airport at around 4:30 am.

Upon his arrival, Bayero was greeted by a large crowd of supporters, who chanted verses from the Holy Quran, including Surah Al-Fatihah: “It is You we worship and You we ask for help.”

His convoy then made its way through the city, eventually arriving at the mini-palace in Nassarawa, where he has taken up residence.

Meanwhile, Sanusi II has taken over the traditional Gidan Rumfa palace, which has been the seat of the Emir of Kano for centuries.

Both palaces are now under heavy security cover, as the situation remains tense and uncertain.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

On Thursday, the Department of State Service (DSS) denied media reports that it invaded the Emir of Kano’s Palace, saying they were untrue. 

The state Director of DSS, Mr Muhammad Alhassan, said this when he spoke with reporters in Kano.

Alhassan said that the DSS only deployed its personnel to the palace as part of a security arrangement for the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu’s visit to the Emir. 

He said, however, that the personnel were withdrawn following the postponement of the visit due to the Emir’s absence from town.

He said there was no truth in the report alleging that DSS operatives stormed the Emir’s Palace in connection with the recent development at the State House of Assembly. 

He urged Nigerians to disregard the false and malicious report, which he said was intended to cause unnecessary tension and misinformation.

On Thursday, the State House of Assembly repealed the Kano Emirates Council Law 2019, thereby dissolving the Emirates of Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, and Rano.

By Aliyu Nuhu

I have read the amended Kano Emirates law, which was brief, concise and straight to the point, to achieve certain ends. It is a promise fulfilled by the new NNPP government. Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso had said time without number that if elected, the government would repeal the Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje-led Emirates laws.

If Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf signs the amendment into law (which is a certainty), it will remove the present emirs from their offices and return all the Ganduje creation of first-class emirs back to district heads (hakimai). The affected emirs are those of Gaya, Rano, Karaye and Bichi.

The new law gives the governor the power to either re-appoint them hakimai or remove them and search for new ones.

Until the coming of this new law, I thought that Muhammadu Sanusi II’s return was impossible, as it had no precedence in the history of the Kano emirate. But after talking to officials and people who know the workings of the government, it appears certain that Sanusi will return to his throne, in fact, soon enough to preside over the coming Eid-Kabir prayer. 

Nothing is certain yet, but nothing is impossible, thanks to political intrigues and the need for the new government to reverse Ganduje’s legacies. There is no love lost between Kwankwaso, Abba, and Ganduje.

For my own views, I support the amendment of the Emirates laws and the return of a strong Kano emirate, but I don’t support Sanusi’s return as emir of Kano. The current Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, is doing well and is loved by the people. 

I don’t support Sanusi’s return. I know he has not learned a lesson and will still come back and meddle with Kano politics, attack Abba and his government, and continue shooting his mouth as if he is an ordinary person. People who sit on the Kano throne don’t talk too much. He must also not try, like his grandfather did to Sardauna, to outshine the Kano state governor.

In history, there was an incident where the then-Emir Muhammadu Sanusi shamed Sardauna in the Kano race course parade ground by attracting a standing ovation with the Sardauna seated. The premier of Northern Nigeria considered it an affront to himself as the Emir stole the spotlight by arriving in full splendour and pageantry, and the whole assemblage had to stand up for the Emir in traditional homage and honour. It was a percussion to the dethronement of Emir Sanusi of Kano.

The grandson Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has inherited those tendencies from his grandfather, and I daresay when it comes to attacking and criticizing the government, Kwankwaso/Abba don’t have the patience, and if you like to call it table manners of Ganduje. They will throw out Sanusi in a blink of an eye.

They said a leopard never changes its colours. But time will tell.

Until then.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State House of Assembly has agreed to amend the State Emirate Council law 2019 and Kano State Emirate amendment law 2023.

This move follows an urgency and public importance motion moved by the majority leader, Alhaji Lawan Hussaini Chediyar ƴan Gurasa, and seconded by Shu’aibu Rabi’u, representing Dawakin Kudu Constituency.

The amendment seeks to revisit the changes made to the emirate structure in 2019, which led to the fragmentation of the Kano Emirate into five distinct emirates and the deposition of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi.

The recent electoral victory of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who campaigned on restoring the traditional Kano Emirate system, has revived efforts to reinstate Emir Sanusi.

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), has emphasized the party’s commitment to reviewing the changes made to the emirate structure.

He expressed confidence in Governor Yusuf’s ability to address the challenges effectively and resolve the issues planted in Kano state, ensuring peaceful coexistence among citizens.

As the legislative process progresses, the potential amendment of the Emir Appointment Law holds significant implications for the traditional emirate system and leadership structure in the region.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A 26-year-old man, Yusuf Abdullahi, was arraigned before a Kano State Sharia Court, Fagge, for allegedly assaulting his friend, Aminu Umar, resulting in the loss of a tooth.

According to the prosecutor, Inspector Abdul Wada, the defendant and the complainant had a disagreement on May 9, which escalated into a physical altercation.

The defendant allegedly gave the complainant several blows to the head and body, causing injuries and resulting in the loss of a tooth.

The Khadi, Malam Umar Lawal-Abubakar, ordered the defendant to be remanded in a correctional center and adjourned the case until May 30 for further hearing.