The New Kano Development Agenda (NKDA), has hit out at the State Government and House of Assembly for dissolving the five Emirates Council and reinstating Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano.
The State governor, Abba Yusuf on Thursday, announced the reinstatement of Sanusi, after signing the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 into law.
The new law replaces the Kano State Emirates Council Law, 2019 and dissolves the emirate councils created by Governor Yusuf’s predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje.
In a statement signed by its leader, Alhaji Shehu Gambo, and made available to journalists on Friday, the New Kano Development Agenda described Governor Yusuf and the lawmakers’ action as not in the interest of Kano State and Nigeria.
It said that the action is a clear example of political manipulation and a disregard for the rule of law and the principles of justice, adding that it is a threat to national unity, economic development, and social cohesion.
The group, lamented that Sanusi’s reinstatement may further polarise and divide the people of Kano, exacerbating existing tensions and conflicts while undermining the traditional institutions.
It noted that this development may create divisions among traditional rulers in Kano, undermining their unity and collective influence with the issue of legitimacy crisis a possibility.
The statement reads in parts:“The recent dissolution of the Kano Emirates and the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi, has sparked a political tension in Kano State.
“This move, has far-reaching implications that threaten the unity and progress of the state, and indeed, the country as a whole.
“The Kano Emirates were established in 2019 as part of a decentralisation effort to promote grassroots development and reduce the concentration of power in the hands of a single traditional ruler.
“The emirates were created to bring governance closer to the people and promote cultural heritage. The dissolution of the emirates is a reversal of this progress and a return to the old system of centralised power.
“This has significant political implications. Firstly, it is a clear example of political manipulation and a disregard for the rule of law and the principles of justice.
“The dissolution of the Kano Emirates and the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi Lamido also have significant economic implications. The emirates were established to promote decentralisation and grassroots development, and their dissolution is a reversal of this progress.
“The concentration of power in the hands of a single traditional ruler is a recipe for economic stagnation and underdevelopment. Furthermore.
“The dissolution of the Kano Emirates and the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi Lamido also has significant social implications. The emirates were established to promote cultural heritage and bring governance closer to the people.
“The dissolution of the emirates is a reversal of this progress and a threat to the cultural identity of the people of Kano.”
The group, therefore, called on the Kano State Government to reverse this decision and ensure that the rights and interests of the people of Kano are protected and respected.
It also, urged the Federal Government to intervene to ensure that the rights and interests of the people of Kano State are protected and respected.
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