The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, may lose his dominant control of the prestigious emirate as Governor Abdullahi Ganduje yesterday signed into law a newly passed bill on the appointment and deposition of emirs.
Essentially, the law created four new traditional institutions and emirate councils each with a substantive first class title of emir. They are Gaya, Karaye, Rano and Bichi. The emirate council is further expanded with new districts and domains under which the five independent traditional institutions will operate.
By the new arrangement, the Kano emirate will now cover 10 local government areas, Rano emirate (10 local government areas), Gaya emirate (eight local government areas), Karaye emirate (six local government areas) and Bichi emirate will cover nine local councils.
It was gathered that membership of the Kano State emirate council will now include the emirs of Kano, Gaya, Bichi, Rano and Karaye; secretary to the state government; commissioner for local Government; chairmen of the local government; two kingmakers each from the five emirates and not more than five other members appointed by the governor.
Shortly after signing the bill into law at a ceremony attended by the principal officers of the House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Alhassan Kabiru Rirum, Governor Ganduje said the new arrangement would make the traditional institutions closer to their subjects.
Ganduje, who acknowledged the role of the traditional institutions in maintaining law and order, said the expansion of the Kano emirate would enrich the traditional heritage of Kano.
Source: Guardian Newspaper
