From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, yesterday, signed the Kano State Emirate Council Establishment Bill 2024 into law, hours after it was passed by the Assembly.
Speaking after signing the bill, Governor Yusuf emphasised the importance of the new law in sustaining the rich cultural values and norms of the people of the state. He noted that it would bridge the gap between the people at the grassroots and the government.
According to the new law, Kano Emirate Council would be chaired by a first class Emir with the second class emirs of the Emirate Councils of Rano, Gaya, and Karaye as members.
The governor added that the names of the new second class Emirs would be announced later.
The jurisdiction of the second class emirates will be limited to their respective local government areas, he stated
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Jibrin Falgore, stressed the commitment of the legislators to passing bills that would promote the well-being of the people of the state.
The Assembly, yesterday, passed the bill.
The lawmaker took the first reading of the bill before embarking on recess.
The bill, titled: “Kano State Emirates Council Establishment Bill, 2024” was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Muhammad Butu-Butu, who also moved the motion for the adoption and passage of the bill after its second and third readings.
Falgore explained that the Rano Emirate consists of Rano, Kibiya and Bunkure Local Government Areas.
“Gaya Emirate consists of Gaya, Albasu and Ajingi Local Government Areas, while Karaye Emirate consists of Karaye and Rogo Local Government Areas, respectively,” he said.
He said the emirs of the three new second class emirates would be answerable to the Emir of Kano
“They shall have powers to advise the Emir of Kano on matters relating to maintenance of public order and boundary disputes within their areas of jurisdiction.
The government had annulled the law establishing the existing emirate structure in the state, which had Kano, Rano, Kibya, Gaya and Bichi emirates, and had sacked their various emirs.
The repealed emirate law is subject of pending litigation at the Kano State High Court, and at the Federal High Court sitting in Kano.
On Monday, a Kano State High Court affirmed the power of the Governor to assent to the bill, dissolving the Kano Emirate Council repealed law 2024 and the power of the Assembly to make and amend laws in the state.