The enactment of the New Kano Emirate Councils Law marks a significant shift in the governance structure of the Kano Emirate and has far-reaching implications for the traditional leadership in the region. The law not only reinstates the five demoted kingmakers to their former positions but also grants them the authority to reconvene and reinstall Muhammadu Sanusi, the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, as the sole Emir of Kano.
One of the key provisions of the law is the directive for the Governor to take all necessary measures to restore the Kano Emirate System to its previous positions before the enactment of the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December, 2019. This provision effectively gives the State Government the power to reappoint Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, reversing the actions taken following his removal from the throne in 2020.
Furthermore, the law stipulates that traditional office holders and title holders who were elevated or appointed under the repealed Principal Law shall revert to their positions as per recognized customs and traditions prior to the enactment of the repealed law. This provision ensures the reinstatement of the demoted kingmakers to their former roles, granting them the authority to participate in the selection process for the new Emir.
The reappointment of the demoted kingmakers and their empowerment to choose the new Emir, subject to the endorsement of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, underscores the significance of traditional leadership and the role of customary practices in the selection of Emirs in Kano. This process aligns with established traditions and ensures continuity in the leadership of the Kano Emirate.
Additionally, the law mandates the commissioner responsible for Local Government to oversee all transitional arrangements, including the handling of assets and liabilities of the abolished emirates and the new structure created under the repealed Principal Law. This provision aims to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure the effective implementation of the changes mandated by the new law.
Overall, the New Kano Emirate Councils Law represents a significant step in restoring traditional leadership structures and practices in Kano. It reaffirms the importance of customary norms and traditions in the selection of Emirs and seeks to address the disruptions caused by previous legislative changes to the governance of the Kano Emirate.