A Federal High Court in Kano has issued an interim order preventing the Kano State Government from implementing the recently passed Kano State Emirate Council Repeal Law.
The court’s decision coincided with Governor Yusuf’s announcement of Emir Sanusi’s reappointment, which followed the signing of the Kano Emirate Council (Amended) Bill into law. The signing ceremony occurred at the government house in the presence of the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Ismaila Falgore, and other principal officers.
Governor Yusuf argued that the new law, which abolishes the emirates created by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, would promote unity and socio-economic development in Kano. “The return of Emir Sanusi will propel peace and prosperity and restore the lost glory of the state and its rich cultural heritage,” the governor said.
However, Justice Liman emphasized the need to address the constitutional and jurisdictional issues raised by the suit. He stated, “To maintain the peace and security of the state, an Interim Injunction of this Honourable Court is granted restraining the Respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing, and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate Law Council (Repeal) Law.”
The judge further ordered, “Parties are hereby ordered to maintain the status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.” The case has been adjourned to June 3, 2024, for the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.
Justice Liman also noted, “Given the Constitutional and Jurisdictional Issues apparent on the face of the application, parties shall address the Court on the same at the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application which is fixed for the 3rd of June, 2024.” The court has directed that the Plaintiff/Applicant may serve their originating motion and other court processes on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Abuja, outside the court’s jurisdiction.
Governor Yusuf had given Aminu Ado Bayero and four former first-class chiefs 48 hours to vacate their palaces and hand over all emirate properties to the deputy governor’s office. This directive is now in limbo due to the court’s intervention.
