By Seyi Babalola
The Kano State House of Assembly has officially passed the Kano Emirates Council Law (Repeal Bill) of 2024, following its successful passage through the third reading.
This law effectively nullifies the establishment of the five new Emirates within the state, a move with far-reaching implications.
Under the newly enacted legislation, all offices created by the previous law are now deemed obsolete, marking a complete overhaul of the administrative landscape.
Furthermore, individuals who were appointed or promoted to Emirs under the previous law are instructed to revert to their former roles as district heads.
The Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment Number 2) Law of 2024 was championed by Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, the Majority Leader and representative of the Dala Constituency.
Originally, the law establishing the five new Emirates was endorsed by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on December 5, 2019. Subsequent amendments were signed into law on October 14, 2020, and April 11, 2023, reflecting a series of evolving legislative changes.
The pivotal Section 3(1) of the initial law delineated the boundaries of the newly created Emirates: Kano, Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye. Each Emirates’ jurisdiction was carefully outlined, with Kano and Karaye presiding over eight local government areas each, while Bichi and Gaya covered nine, and Rano governed ten, out of a total of 44 local councils in the state.
Following the deposition of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi, the council’s leadership structure was revised, with the law subsequently amended to specify the emir of Kano as the chairman of the council.
Section 12 empowers the governor, subject to the assembly’s approval, to classify the office of an emir into first, second, or third class categories.
A key figure within the assembly, speaking anonymously, emphasized the assembly’s autonomy in amending the law, underscoring the legislature’s authority in shaping the state’s governance framework.
