The Kano State Government has condemned what it describes as “gross misrepresentations” surrounding the recent Court of Appeal ruling on the ongoing emirship dispute, urging the public to remain law-abiding while the case progresses to the Supreme Court.

In a joint press statement issued by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi, and the Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, the state government clarified that the appellate court’s ruling did not invalidate its previous decision to repeal the Kano Emirate Council Law of 2019.

“It has become necessary to once again address you and the general public to correct the speculative reports emanating from some quarters, apparently intended to create disharmony among the citizens of Kano,” the statement read.

The government recalled that on January 10, 2025, the Court of Appeal upheld the repeal of the controversial 2019 law, which led to the reversion of the emirship structure to its previous status. However, it noted that Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, who is challenging the repeal, had filed an appeal at the Supreme Court and secured a stay of execution.

“The respected panel of justices heard and granted the application for a stay pending the hearing and determination of the appeal before the Supreme Court. This is a normal and routine judicial procedure to maintain the status quo,” the statement explained.

The Kano government expressed concern over what it termed misleading headlines and reports suggesting that the Court of Appeal had overturned its own ruling.

“It is worrisome seeing various captions and headlines deliberately intended to mislead the public by misrepresenting the facts. The judiciary, as a sacred institution, must be jealously respected and guarded for the preservation of peace and order in society,” the government asserted.

The officials further clarified that the Court of Appeal had not reversed its January 10 ruling but had only granted a temporary stay of execution pending the Supreme Court’s final decision.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Court of Appeal that entertained the application of Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi did not set aside its own judgment delivered on January 10, 2025. That judgment remains valid and subsisting until the Supreme Court determines the appeal,” the statement emphasized.

The government urged Kano residents to disregard any provocations and continue to uphold peace, assuring them that legal experts were reviewing the court’s ruling to determine the state’s next course of action.

“We call on the general public to resist any provocation and continue to be law-abiding. The Kano State Government has already instructed its lawyers to closely study the outcome to determine the next line of action in accordance with our extant laws,” the statement concluded.

The ongoing legal battle over the emirship structure in Kano has sparked significant political and public interest, with both supporters and opponents closely watching the case as it progresses to the Supreme Court.

There are strong indications that some former ministers of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari will move en masse to the Social Democratic Party.

A senator in the ninth Assembly, who spoke  on condition of anonymity, said at least 10 former members of the Buhari cabinet were moving to the SDP.

“What they’re waiting for is the finalisation of the party structure in their respective states,” the source said.

There are strong indications that some former ministers of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari will move en masse to the Social Democratic Party.

A senator in the ninth Assembly, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said at least 10 former members of the Buhari cabinet were moving to the SDP.

“What they’re waiting for is the finalisation of the party structure in their respective states,” the source said.

Punch

In a significant move to promote equitable employment practices, Governor Abba K. Yusuf Of Kano state has announced the formation of the State Private Sector Employment Policy Committee. This initiative is aimed at domesticating the Federal Character Partial Principle within Kano State, ensuring that private sector organizations adopt fair and inclusive employment policies for both citizens and residents.

The newly constituted committee has been tasked with drafting a comprehensive state policy that will serve as a framework for equitable employment practices. This policy is expected to address disparities and foster inclusivity in the private sector, aligning with the broader goals of social justice and economic development.

The committee comprises a diverse group of experts and stakeholders from various sectors, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. The members include:

-Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhd, Special Adviser to the Governor on Human Resources, who will serve as the Chairman.
– Hon. Lawan Hussaini, Member of the State House of Assembly.
– Alh. Zubair Kuliya, Permanent Secretary, Manpower.
– Mustapha M. Nuraddeen, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice.
– Comrade Ado Salisu Riruwai, Chairman, Organized Private Sector Union.
– Alh. Hussaini Umar, Retired Director, Federal Character Commission.
– Comrade Mubarak Buba Yerima, Chairperson, Trade Union Congress, Kano.
– Alh. Nura Safiyanu Madugu, Chairperson, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
– Alh. Sabiu Yola*, Managing Director, KACCIMA.
– *Barr. Junaidu Muhammad Zakari, Chairman, Singer Market Development Association.
– Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali, Director General, Kano State Debt Management Office.
– Dr. Sanaa Abdullahi Muaz*, Bayero University Kano.
– Barr. Sani Salihu, Legal Practitioner.
– Abdulrazak Alkali, Civil Society Activist.
– Alh. Mahmud Bala, Director, Industry and Cooperatives, Kano State Ministry of Commerce.
– Abba Danguguwa, Permanent Secretary, Science and Technology.
– Nasiru Salisu Zango, Journalist.
– Dr. Murtala Aminu Ibrahim, Bayero University Kano.
– Ibrahim S. Ahmad, Desk Secretary, Office of the Special Adviser on Political Affairs.

The committee’s diverse composition underscores the administration’s commitment to inclusivity, drawing expertise from academia, civil society, legal practitioners, and industry leaders. Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhd, the committee’s chairman, expressed optimism about the initiative, emphasizing its potential to create a more equitable and dynamic workforce in Kano State.

This development has been lauded as a progressive step towards addressing employment inequalities and fostering a more inclusive private sector. The committee’s recommendations are eagerly anticipated, as they are expected to set a precedent for other states to follow.

The announcement was made by Ibrahim Adam, Special Adviser on Information, Government House, Kano.