Kano

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 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 Sabiu Abdullahi 

Engausa Global Tech Hub is hosting a Startup Friday programme on May 31, 2024.

The theme of the programme is “Unlocking Potentials: Mentoring for Success in Skills Acquisition and Career Development”.

This event is for parents and students of the programme’s March-May 2024 class.

The programme will be held at the Conference Hall of the Technology Incubation Centre on Guda Abdullahi Road in Kano, Nigeria.

The event starts at 10:00 a.m..

Engausa Global Tech Hub is a Kano-based centre that teaches young people digital skills in the Hausa language.

The centre’s mission is to bridge the gap in technical knowledge and empower young people with the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged for tranquility amidst the ongoing leadership crisis involving Kano’s traditional institutions.

The Islamic body made this call in a press release issued today, May 29, 2024.

It also appealed to Islamic scholars and Kano residents to refrain from rhetoric that could exacerbate tensions.

Acknowledging what is going on, the council said there are “contradictory statements emanating from some quarters of the Ulama in Kano concerning the current traditional leadership crisis in the state.”

It added by imploring Islamic scholars, revered as “custodians of Islamic learning, values and guidance”, to exercise caution and refrain from pronouncements that could heighten tensions and divide the Muslim community.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A sudden outbreak of gunfire at the mini palace of the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, in Nasarawa GRA, sent residents fleeing in fear on Monday night. 

The palace, located just 300 meters from the Kano Government House, has been under surveillance by a combined security team due to heightened tensions in the area. 

Eyewitnesses reported hearing heavy gunfire coming from the direction of the palace, sparking concerns about an attack. Some commuters diverted their routes, fearing for their safety. 

While the source of the gunfire remains unclear, it is believed to be related to a court order issued earlier on Monday, directing the deposed Emir to vacate the palace. 

The Kano State High Court also ordered Mr. Ado-Bayero and four other deposed emirs to stop parading themselves as emirs, pending the hearing and determination of a motion filed by the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, and the Kano State House of Assembly. 

The incident has raised tensions in the already volatile region, with residents calling for calm and restraint.

The Kano State Police Commissioner, Muhammad Gumel, and the command’s spokesperson, Haruna Kiyawa, could not be reached for comment.

By Dr. Mansur Hassan

In recent years, Kano State has been a focal point of political intrigue and traditional authority upheaval. This period of tension can be traced back to the administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who, in 2019, made the contentious decision to create five new emirates: Kano, Gaya, Karaye, Bichi, and Rano. This move significantly altered the traditional power structure within the state.

The catalyst for this decision was an alleged accusation that the then Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Muhammad Sanusi II, was supporting the opposition party and not endorsing Ganduje’s re-election bid in 2019. In an effort to diminish the influence of Emir Sanusi, Ganduje went as far as removing him from his position. Subsequently, HRH Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero was appointed as the new Emir of Kano.

This drastic change sparked debates and criticisms, particularly because it was executed despite a court order against it. However, the opposition, notably the Kwankwasiyya movement, chose not to incite unrest, highlighting their commitment to peace despite the significant political provocation.

The creation of the new emirates was perceived by many as a strategy to dilute the power and influence of the traditional emirate system. This move arguably undermined the dignity and historical significance of the Kano Emirate, not just within Nigeria but across the continent.

In a turn of events, the Kano State House of Assembly in 2024 decided to review and reverse the law that led to the creation of the five emirates. The Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 (1445 A.H) was enacted, aiming to restore the traditional structure to its former status:

Title and Commencement: This bill, officially cited as the Kano State Emirates Councils (Repeal) Bill, 2024 (1445 A.H), outlines the legislative intent and its commencement.

Repeal of Previous Laws: It repeals the Kano State Emirates Council Law, 2019 (1441 A.H), and all amendments made thereafter.

Abrogation of New Emirates: All offices created under the repealed law are abolished, and appointments made under the law are set aside.

Restoration of Traditional Titles: Traditional office holders and title holders elevated under the repealed law will revert to their previous positions based on recognized customs and traditions.

Governor’s Authority: The Governor is empowered to take necessary measures to restore the status of the Kano Emirate System as it was before the enactment of the repealed law.

Commissioner’s Role: The Commissioner responsible for Local Government will oversee transitional arrangements concerning assets and liabilities of the abolished emirates.

Key Questions and Concerns:

Legislative Reversal: Can the state House of Assembly reverse a law passed and assented to by the executive governor? Legally, a state assembly has the authority to repeal or amend existing laws, provided due legislative process is followed and the bill receives the governor’s assent.

Federal Intervention: Concerns arise about external influences, particularly from Abuja, creating unnecessary tension by attempting to reinstate the deposed emir through federal power and security agencies.

A Call for Unity:

To the people of Kano State, it is imperative not to allow external forces or individuals, who have lost the people’s trust, to manipulate the situation for political gains. The matter of the emirate is deeply rooted in tradition and should remain an internal affair. Both the reappointed Emir Muhammad Sunusi II and the deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero are brothers, and resolving this issue amicably is crucial for maintaining peace and dignity within Kano.

In conclusion, the political and traditional landscape of Kano State is at a crossroads. It is a time for reflection and careful consideration of actions that uphold the integrity and historical heritage of the Kano Emirate. The recent legislative changes signify a potential return to stability and respect for traditional structures, but it requires collective effort and respect for due process.

Mansur Hassan, PhD wrote the article and can be reached via mhassan@yumsuk.edu.ng

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Kano State Police Command has announced its commitment to upholding a federal court order that prohibits the reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano. 

In a press briefing held at the Bompai command headquarters on Saturday, Commissioner of Police Usaini Gumel assured that the command and its sister agencies would ensure peace and stability in the state, warning that anyone attempting to incite violence or disrupt public order would be dealt with decisively. 

The court order, granted by Justice A.M. Liman of the Federal High Court on Thursday night, restrains the Kano State Government from reinstating Emir Sanusi II, who was deposed in March 2020.

The order was issued despite Justice Liman’s reported absence from the country, currently being in the United States. 

The case was filed by Aminu Babba-Dan’Agundi, a traditional title holder, and Sarkin Dawaki Babba, who sought the court’s intervention to prevent the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi II. 

The police command’s vow to enforce the court order comes amidst heightened tensions in the state, with many fearing a potential outbreak of violence over the emirate dispute.

Commissioner Gumel’s warning serves as a clear message to those who may attempt to disrupt the peace, stating the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order in Kano State. 

As the situation continues to unfold, residents and observers alike are closely watching the developments, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the emirate tussle.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State House of Assembly has repealed the Kano State Emirate Councils Law, which had established five new emirates in Kano, Gaya, Karaye, Rano, and Bichi during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The law’s repeal, following its third reading on Thursday, has elicited mixed reactions among Kano residents.

The abrogated law will require district heads who were elevated or appointed under it to revert to their previous positions.

When the law was initially established in 2019, there were fears that it might politicize the traditional emirate system.

Kano residents expressed their opinions on social media, with some viewing the repeal as a politically motivated move, while others saw it as a step towards restoring the integrity of the emirate council.

Critics of Ganduje’s administration argue that the creation of new emirates undermined the traditional system.

‘Every new government to bring with it new emir’

Dr. Ibrahim Siraj, a political analyst and lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, criticized the development, warning that it could lead to every new government appointing a new emir, thereby politicizing the emirate system.

“An interesting precedent has been set here in Kano: every change of government will bring with it a new emir and an entirely different emirate system,” he said.

He lamented that this could lead to numerous living but non-serving emirs, breaking the tradition of lifelong service.

Abdulyassar Abdulhamid expressed a broader concern, stating, “My concern is not about the emir’s removal or the installation of a new one. But a theory I have been nourishing for some time is giving way to reality.

“The struggle, the loudmouth(ness), the so talked-about intellectualism is about an excessive desire to be on a throne. Nothing more,” he added.

Ado Garba noted that those who supported the previous government’s decision to create new emirates were now seeing the repercussions.

“But because the majority of us are not sincere, they refused to see reasons. Now, here we are. Ganduje will never be forgiven by the good people of Kano,” he said.

Atiku Mu’amun Bello highlighted the anomaly of having one person potentially serving as both the 14th and 16th Emir of Kano.

“So we will just call him ‘former emir’ when he eventually leaves or is dethroned,” he added.

History repeats itselfUman Garba, reflecting on the historical context, stated, “There is nothing new on earth. Just history repeats itself. Let us simply accept the fate and move on.”

Abdulmalik Shu’aibu emphasized the importance of the emirate councils and questioned the motives behind the repeal by Governor Yusuf and Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

“If truly Governor Abba and Kwankwaso love Kano, they shouldn’t have underestimated the tremendous contribution by the emirate councils in the state,” he asserted.

Yusuf Umar Yaro described the repeal as political retaliation, arguing that it was not aimed at the development of the state or its people.

The repeal of the Kano State Emirate Councils Law has sparked significant debate, reflecting deep divisions over the role and politicization of traditional institutions in Kano.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A Federal High Court in Kano has issued an order halting the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano.

The court’s decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by Alhaji Aminu Bappa Dan Agundi, also known as Sarkin Dawaki Babba, on Thursday.

Justice A.M Liman, the presiding judge, granted an interim injunction suspending the implementation of the repealed Kano Emirate law, which aimed to reinstate Sanusi II as the Emir.

The court ordered that the operation of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law, 2024, be suspended, affecting all offices and institutions created under the provision of the Kano State Emirate Council Law, 2019.

The court also restrained the 5th to 8th respondents (not specified in the report) from enforcing, executing, or implementing the repealed law.

Additionally, the court ordered the maintenance and preservation of the status quo by all parties involved, pending the hearing and determination of the plaintiff’s originating motion.

The court also granted an order for an accelerated hearing on the matter.

This development means that Sanusi II’s reinstatement as Emir of Kano has been put on hold pending the court’s further decision.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reappointed Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano, a position he was removed from in 2020.

The governor announced the appointment on Thursday at the Government House, shortly after signing the Kano Emirate Law as amended.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Speaker of the State Assembly, and other principal officers of the government.

With this development, Sanusi II has been officially reinstated as the Emir of Kano.

In a related development, Governor Yusuf has directed the five former emirs of Kano, Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye to vacate their palaces within 48 hours, starting from 5:00 pm on the day of the announcement.

They have also been ordered to hand over all properties in their possession to the Commissioner for Local Government/Deputy Governor.

This move is seen as a reversal of the decision made by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who had dethroned Sanusi II in 2020 following a personal rift.

More details to follow…