The New Kano Development Agenda (NKDA) has said that the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano is political manipulation and a recipe for conflict and division.
The group, which said that Sanusi’s reinstatement threatens the unity and progress of Kano State and Nigeria in general, also lambasted Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration and the state House of Assembly for the dissolution of five Emirates Council in the state.
SaharaReporters had reported that Governor Yusuf on Thursday approved and announced the reinstatement of Sanusi following the passage of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 into law by the State House of Assembly.
The law abolished the emirates created in addition to the Emir of Kano under a controversial law in 2019 by the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
The NKDA in a statement signed by its leader, Alhaji Shehu Gambo, described Governor Yusuf and the lawmakers as “vagabonds” who mean no good for Kano and Nigeria.
It labelled the governor and the lawmakers as “economic terrorists who are hungry for blood and want to truncate peace and tranquility”.
Gambo further described the move by the state government as “reckless and divisive”, adding it “undermines the progress and stability of the state”.
According to the group, “the action is a clear example of political manipulation and a disregard for the rule of law and the principles of justice”.
“It is a threat to national unity, economic development, and social cohesion,” it said.
Gambo said that Sanusi’s reinstatement may further polarize and divide the people of Kano while worsening existing tensions and conflicts and undermining the traditional institutions.
He noted that this development may create divisions among traditional rulers in Kano.
He said, “The recent dissolution of the Kano Emirates and the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi has sparked a political crisis 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 decentralization effort to promote grassroots development and reduce the concentration of power in the hands of a single monarch.
“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 centralized 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 Emir was removed from office for gross misconduct and violation of traditional norms, and his reinstatement is a slap in the face.
“This move undermines the trust and confidence of the people in the political system and institutions.
“Secondly, the dissolution of the emirates is a threat to national unity. Kano State is a strategic state in the north, and any political instability in the state has far-reaching implications for national security and stability.
“The reinstatement of Emir Sanusi, who has a controversial record, is a recipe for conflict and division.
“The dissolution of the Kano Emirates and the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi Lamido also has significant economic implications. The emirates were established to promote decentralization and grassroots development, and their dissolution is a reversal of this progress.”
According to Gambo, “the concentration of power in the hands of a single monarch is a recipe for economic stagnation and underdevelopment”. (SaharaReporters)
