Kano South Elders Urge Governor Abba Yusuf to Reinstate Disbanded Emirates

The elders of Kano South have issued a strong appeal to Governor Abba Yusuf to overturn the recent ruling on the Kano Emirate Law and reinstate the previously disbanded emirates.

This plea was articulated by Musa Salihu Doguwa, Chairman of the Elders Forum, during a media briefing at the NUJ Secretariat Farm Center in Kano.

Doguwa highlighted the significant progress and development achieved under the former Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration, which had upgraded cities and built essential infrastructure in the newly established emirates. He emphasized the prosperity and development these initiatives had brought to the region.

“The Southern Kano upgrade of the new emirates ushered in a new era of growth under Ganduje’s leadership,” Doguwa stated. He pointed out that the emirates of Kano South, Gaya, Rano, and Karaye have a rich historical significance as independent chiefdoms and house a substantial portion of Kano’s population, currently estimated at 15,462,200.

Before their establishment and rehabilitation, these emirates lacked adequate medical and educational facilities, which hindered human development. Doguwa noted that the concentration of administrative power and resources in Kano City had marginalized these emirates and stunted their growth.

“The emirates were deprived of resources necessary for social and economic development due to the lack of decentralized development efforts,” Doguwa explained.

The Elders Forum criticized the recent legislative changes endorsed by Governor Yusuf, describing them as a major setback. Doguwa argued that the swift amendment of the emirate law by State Assembly members and its quick endorsement by Governor Yusuf jeopardized the positive trajectory set by the previous administration and stripped the emirates of their heritage and growth potential.

“We have suffered a major setback due to the regressive legislative changes,” Doguwa said. “This move threatens our progress and development.”

Doguwa commended some State Assembly members for their unwavering support and urged others to realign with the path of progress. He particularly praised representatives from Gaya, Takai, Doguwa, and Tudun Wada local governments.

“We express our gratitude to the State Assembly members who have steadfastly defended the advancement and development of the emirates,” he said. “We call on other members to join in defending the well-being of their people, Kano, and Nigeria.”

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The Forum also welcomed the judicial intervention that has temporarily halted the new legislation and called for respect for the rule of law.

“We recognize and appreciate the court’s intervention in halting this regressive legislation,” Doguwa concluded. “We demand that the House of Assembly and the Kano State Government respect the rule of law and comply with the Federal High Court’s directives to swiftly restore the emirates and prevent further escalation of the crisis.”

The call for the restoration of the emirates comes amid growing tensions and a judicial order that pauses the legislative changes, highlighting the elders’ commitment to preserving the development and heritage of Kano South.