Victor Ezeja
A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has nullified the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.
Additionally, the court dismissed all actions following the contentious reinstatement of Sanusi by the Kano State government.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn his verdict delivered on Thursday, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman ruled against the Kano government’s conduct and directed the parties to maintain the status quo.
He said: “I hereby order that every step taken by the government is hereby nullified and becomes null and invalid and that this does not affect the validity of the repealed Emirates Law but actions taken by the governor which include the assenting to the law and the reappointment of Sanusi.”
Justice Liman said that after listening to the audio recordings of Kano State Governor’s statements in both Hausa and English following the signing of the Emirate Council Repeal Law, he became convinced that the respondents were aware of the court’s order to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice in the court.
READ ALSO: Emirate Tussle: Why Court Orders Kano Govt To Pay Bayero N10m
The judge explained that it is a very serious matter for anyone to flout court orders and be allowed to go free.
“Having been satisfied that the respondents are aware of the court order, the court, in the exercise of its powers, set aside an action because it is in violation of the court’s order, I think it is a very serious matter for anyone to flout the orders of the court and go scot free with it.”
Justice Liman further stated that had the respondents complied with the court order and followed right process, they could have still been able to complete their duties and prevent this unfortunate situation.
He remarked that the respondents got into a big mess because they chose to act on their whims and fancies, as he had indicated.
Prime Business Africa recalls that the Kano House of Assembly had in May, repealed the law that enthroned the 15th Emir and establishment of additional four emirate councils – Bichi, Rano Karaye and Gaya, by the immediate past governor of the state, Dr, Abdullahi Ganduje.
READ ALSO: Kano Emirate Tussle: Reckless Pointers Of Political Suicide
The current governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf subsequently assent to the law by dethroning Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano and reinstating Muhammadu Sanusi, who was deposed by Ganduje in 2020.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
