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Kano Emirate: The Law Became A Victim Instead Of Catalyst For Political Reforms And Social Devt In Kano

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It didn’t come to me as a surprise in the least that, the recent abrogation and amendments of the Kano Emirate law was challenged in the court by some persons aggrieved by the action of the Kano State House of Assembly and the subsequent assent to the Law by the Governor of Kano State. It is only to be expected given the enormous controversies raised by the Law and the political under currents behind it, which is the subject of this post. It has never been a secret that the amendment of the Law by the former Kano State House of Assembly was based on and driven by political consideration of the All Progressives Congress(APC) government in the State under Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Since the amendment was a Law validly made by the then State House of Assembly, it had to be implemented and effect was given to it. That’s the position and the State of Law at the time

After the 2023 General elections, the APC government of Kano State was defeated and dethroned from power. The State was won by the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP and Abba Kabir Yusuf succeeded Ganduje as Governor. The House of Assembly was also dominated by Members from the NNPP and this completely changed the dynamics of political power in Kano State. The success of the NNPP in both the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections, has given the Abba Kabir government control over both the Instruments of Executive and Legislative power in Kano State.

The NNPP government of Abba Kabir Yusuf made it a cardinal issue of its campaign that the law which “balkanised” the Kano Emirate was unjust and the NNPP promised to “undo” the injustice if it won the election. As it turned out, the NNPP won the election and secured an overwhelming majority of the seats in the House of commons. This set the ground and provides the background to the amendment just effected by the Kano State House of commons to the Emirate Council law passed by its predecessor.

It must be stated and appreciated that under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) the State House of Assembly is empowered to make new laws, and to abrogate or amend existing laws, in the interest of peace, order and good governance of the State. Therefore the right of the past and present Houses of Assembly over the process of law making is settled beyond any dispute or contestation. It’s simply beyond any doubt or argument. It is also futile in law to argue at this stage, that the former Kano State House of Assembly did not have the power to amend the Emirate Law or for the Executive Governor to take other or further political and additional actions pursuant to the amendment and to give effect to the law as amended. That was the situation before the 2023 election when the APC was in control of the Executive and Legislative arms of government in Kano State. But the dynamics of Kano State politics changed drastically and drastically after the election. The APC lost the election to the NNPP and totally new political order emerged on the political landscape of Kano State.

As earlier stated in the post, it was an important part of the campaign promises of the NNPP to reverse the Kano State Emirate amendment law passed and implemented by the former APC government in the State and immediately after assuming office as Governor, Abba did not mince words in reiterating his resolve to deliver on this aspect of his party’s campaign promises. It is pertinent and worthy of note that both the Governor and Kwankwaso his mentor and leader spared no opportunity on every political platform to repeat their determination to repeal the law and return the Emirate situation to the status quo before the amendment by the former House of Assembly. Therefore, when the NNPP dominated House of Assembly yesterday concluded the processes of the abrogation and amendment of the Emirate Council Law and Governor Kabir Yusuf gave it an expeditious assent, it didn’t come as a surprise to the observers of political developments in Kano State.

With both actions completed or done and dusted by the the two organs of the Government entitled to exercise the powers conferred on them by the Constitution and the Law, the Kano State Emirate Council Law as amended, may be said to be validly, legally and constitutionally passed and assented to by the Governor. Any person aggrieved by the passage of the new law, can only challenge the processes and procedures adopted by the House of Assembly and the governor in making the amendments and the steps taken in the implementation of the law as amended but not the power of the House of Assembly to make the Law, or of the Governor to assent to it and give effect to it through implementation. That’s the legal position as I understand it.
But the big elephant in the room and the core subject is not the Law per se but the politics of the law.

It’s pertinent to observe that in both the former and the present amendment of the Emirate Council law, the purpose or interest of the law is not the prime consideration. The main objective of the Ganduje amendment was to score a Political gain and make political capital of the law and he did. However, with the defeat of the APC by the NNPP in the State elections, the table turned and so did the dynamics and mechanics of Kano State politics

The success of the NNPP at the polls has presented Abba Kabir Yusuf the power and opportunity to reverse the Ganduje amendment of the Law and institute his own amendment, which swept away the Legislative and political gains scored by the APC government on the issue. The sad part of all these, is that the Law was used as an instrument of political vendetta to settle scores on both sides. The Law became a victim instead of a catalyst of political reforms and social development in Kano State. This lends credence to my thesis as expressed in many posts, that under our democracy, politics is more powerful than the law and when the two conflict, the law comes out the weaker.

Yusuf Shehu Usman, mni (Abuja)

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Pope Francis Passes Away on Easter Monday at 88

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In a moment that has deeply moved Catholics and people around the world, Pope Francis [passed a✝️ay] on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His [transition] marks the end of a historic papacy defined by humility, reform, and an unwavering commitment to the marginalized.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. His leadership was marked by compassion, interfaith dialogue, care for the environment, and efforts to build a more inclusive Church.

Easter Monday, a day symbolic of renewal and hope in the Christian tradition, now carries a deeper poignancy. Tributes have poured in from global figures and millions of faithful around the world.

As the Vatican begins preparations for days of reflection and the selection of a new leader, Pope Francis leaves a legacy as a spiritual guide, a voice for justice, and a symbol of peace.

May he rest in eternal light.

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2027 Presidency: No Candidate Can Win Without Northern Support – Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

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Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, has emphasized that no presidential candidate can emerge victorious in the 2027 elections without the backing of the North.

Speaking on the political direction of the region, Baba-Ahmed stated, “In the next six months, the North will decide its stance. If the rest of the country aligns with us, great. If not, we’ll move forward on our own terms. One thing is certain — no one becomes Nigeria’s president without Northern support.”

He expressed deep concern about the nation’s current condition and called on Northerners to reject divisive and manipulative politicians ahead of the next general elections.

“We need a government that understands our challenges and is ready to fix them. After Buhari’s eight years, we became wiser. Now we are in a new administration, yet we’re still complaining. Is that all we do—cry?” he asked.

Recalling the impact of the Boko Haram crisis, Baba-Ahmed noted that it affected every Northern group — Muslims, Christians, Fulani, Baju, and others — and called for unity across the region.

“Before Buhari, Boko Haram was bombing mosques, churches, Abuja, and Lagos. That period demanded unity among Northerners. Today, no politician can just walk in and expect automatic Northern support. Who are you?” he asked pointedly.

He warned against further marginalization of the North, stressing that continuous neglect would not go unnoticed. “If the plan is to rig the elections, they should think again. It won’t end well for Nigeria. The North is paying attention. Elders, the masses, and interest groups are reaching their breaking point. The injustice must stop.”

Baba-Ahmed also encouraged Northerners to abandon identity-based politics, urging voters to prioritize competence and integrity.

“We’re done voting based on religion or ethnicity. That chapter is closed. All we want is the right leader — even if he drops from heaven — someone who will fix our problems,” he declared.

He concluded by affirming that the North had learned hard lessons from past choices and would approach the 2027 elections with greater discernment and resolve.

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Fubara Urges Rivers People to Embrace Unity, Support Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

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As Christians around the world celebrate Easter, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called on residents to reflect on the season’s message of peace, unity, and renewal.

“Easter is a sacred time that calls us to reconciliation,” the governor said in his Easter message. “It is a season when the peace of Christ fills our hearts — healing wounds, restoring broken relationships, and offering hope to the weary.”

He emphasized the power of resurrection as a symbol of new beginnings, noting that through faith, shattered dreams can be restored, and adversity overcome.

“This season reminds us that no challenge — whether hardship, sorrow, or even death — can separate us from the love of God. In Christ, we are more than conquerors.”

Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to providing quality governance for the people of Rivers State and urged them to continue supporting the national leadership.

“I urge the great people of Rivers to keep standing behind the Renewed Hope Agenda of our President, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he stated. “Together, let’s look forward to a brighter, more prosperous future.”

He concluded with a call for unity: “We must never lose sight of our collective strength. The transformation we seek is possible if we remain united in purpose, guided by faith, and committed to progress.”

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