“If you pursue evil with pleasure, the pleasure passes away and the evil remains; If you pursue good with labor, the labor passes away but the good remains.”—- Cicero
With the unfolding events in the history of Kano Emirate Council, the name of His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf will be laced on the plates of gold considering the role he  is devotedly playing to restore the battered image and regretful distortion of the revered Kano Emirate. The intention to, balkanize the historic Kano Emirate was carried out by the immediate-past administration of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who dethroned and banished the 14th Emir of Kano, His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II, even after dividing the Kano Emirate into five places.

At the first instance, the division of the Kano Emirate and elevation of the District Heads of Bichi, Rano, Karaye and Gaya to First Class Emirs was one to spite Emir Sanusi, who after all, did not give a wink. Emir Sanusi fought and secured his freedom and fundamental human rights of freedom of movement through the Court; and moved on with his life—— going about doing good and offering valuable advice to administrators and leaders across the world for a better world.

During his electioneering campaigns, part of the promises made to the people of Kano by Governor Yusuf was that his administration will not only restore the battered traditional institution of Kano, but will also reinstate Emir Sanusi who was removed by ex-Governor Ganduje. Based on this promise, among others, the good people of Kano state overwhelmingly voted for Abba Gida-Gida. Today, the Governor has no choice, than to implement and execute the wishes of the people. It is a social contract he signed with the people of Kano, which must be fulfilled, no matter, whose, Ox is gored.

In any case, Governor Yusuf’s populist action is not new to Kano political cum traditional landscape.  Adequate legal steps were taken to repeal the Kano Emirate Council Law (2019). The enactment of the Emirate Council Law (2024) ensured the death and burial of Kano Emirate Law (2019). Indeed, Emir Sanusi’s return as the 16th Emir of Kano rekindled  important aspect of Kano history which played out in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Recall that during the administration of ex-Governor Abubakar Rimi of blessed memory, there was an attempt to create five emirates in Kano State by splitting the Kano Emirate into five. Some members of the royal family and other traditional rulers, who saw it as an attempt to weaken the Kano Emirate’s influence opposed this move. However, Rimi went ahead with the plan and created the new emirates of Gaya, Karaye, Dutse, Rano, and Kano in April 1981. The Kano Emirate was reduced in size and given a more ceremonial role, while the new emirates were granted more administrative and political powers.

The Emir of Kano at the time was not deposed. But was queried for his movements in July 1981 after returning from a journey. The move led to riots in Kano and Rimi never recovered politically and resigned in 1983 after falling out with Aminu Kano. When Governor Sabo Bakin Zuwo took over in 1983, he reversed the decision and restored the Kano Emirate to its original size and status, with the other emirates abolished. His decision was seen as an attempt to restore the traditional balance of power and to address the concerns of those who opposed the creation of the new emirates. Sabo Bakin Zuwo’s action was viewed by many as reflecting the wishes of the people, just the same way the people of Kano state are hailing the People’s Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for restoring the integrity of Kano Emirate.

Many northern leaders and elite criticised the decision of Ganduje to balkanize the Kano Emirate into five in 2019. They questioned the motive and foresaw the consequences.. A renowned historian at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Nadir Nasidi, is among the experts who opposed the creation of the new emirates in Kano. According to him: “Kano is the only Emirate in the country with one unifying king. The creation of unnecessary kings is not palatable.”

It is also pertinent to note that nobody agitated for the creation of four other Emirates in Kano. It was entirely the sole decision of Ganduje.  Kano Emirate is a kingdom that has existed for over 1000 years. If you go to the king’s list in Kano, the king’s list from Baguada starts in 999 AD. We have a list of kings from Baguada up to the 16th Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II.

The Federal High Court, sitting in Kano, presided over by Justice A.M. Liman affirmed Aminu Bayero’s deposition as Emir of Kano. The Court also held the validity of Kano Emirate Law (2024). Indeed, Justice Liman’s ruling, brought to an end, the argument on the deposition of former Emir Aminu Ado Bayero as the court ruled that the new Kano Emirate Repeal Law 2024 remains valid.

According to the ruling, all five Emirates of Gaya, Rano, Karaye, Kano and Bichi remained abolished. While delivering the ruling, Justice A.M. Liman held that the Kano Emirate Repeal Law 2024 remains the law and its validity is intact but actions taken after assenting the law when an order from the court was issued are voided. Recall that Governor Yusuf had assented to the new law and reinstated the 14th Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of one united Kano at the same time. The Liman, however, declared that:  “Law is still the law, but actions carried out in the execution of the law are set aside.”

Indeed, it amuses me when some people question the choice of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II! Ours is a government determined not to fail the people of Kano state. Governor Yusuf craves to getting the best of team capable of giving Kano the best it deserves in terms of leadership and dispensation of democratic dividends. In Emir Sanusi II we have an invaluable adviser that can help take Kano to greater heights. People from across the globe seek for his advice on economy and other divergent issues. They tap from his wealth of experience in building community and nations. Why then should we not make adequate and proper use of the asset God has bestowed on the people of Kano? Emir Sanusi II is an asset that we cannot afford to wish away. An accomplished administrator, banker, financial risk manager, former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), motivational speaker, and above all, leader with unflinching love, charity to humanity and fear of God. We cannot wish him away. Kano state cannot wish him away.

I conclude with the quotes of our leader, Senator Kwankwaso that: “The average Kano person does not want injustice; and that is the position of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. Our fathers and great grand-fathers fought injustice; and we will continue to do it as their sons and daughters here in Kano.”
Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa is the Spokesperson to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf/Director-General, Media and Public Relations, Government House, Kano