The balkanisation of the revered Kano Emirate in 2019, orchestrated by the former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, marked a significant turning point in the history of the centuries-old institution.
The subsequent threats of facts and instances of violence from Ganduje’s political supporters, and proponents of the Balkanised emirate raise serious concerns about democratic values, governance, and the rule of law.
Ganduje’s balkanisation and threats to facts:
Governor Ganduje’s assertion that the balkanisation law has been gazetted and irreversible is a troubling manifestation of the misuse of power. In a democratic society, laws are subject to change, amendment, or abolition based on the will of the people.
The issuance of threats of facts undermines the democratic principles that should guide the legislative process, fostering an environment where dissenting voices are silenced through intimidation. Beyond balkanisation, Ganduje’s actions subsequently proved a costly price in the Kano royal family when he forcefully removed the 14th Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II and brought in Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, the second eldest son of late Emir Ado Bayero causing a huge royal feud.
To briefly go on a memory lane, when Alhaji Ado Bayero, 13th emir of Kano died in 2014, the Kano kingmakers (Madaki, Makama, Sarkin Dawaki Maituta and Sarkin bai) sat, like it is in the tradition, assessed the names of people interested in becoming emir. Ever since the institutionalisation of the Kano Kingmakers’ Council by the 2nd Amir of Kano Malam Ibrahim Dabo in 1820, the council’s responsibility was to nominate names of the most eligible and befitting of the children and grandchildren of sullubawan Dabo to the then ‘Amir Mu’minin’ in Sokoto whom today is recognised as the sultan of Sokoto.
Further, with the coming of the British colonialists in 1903, the kingmakers rather submit their nominations (in most cases three persons) to the colonial government and make recommendations for the choice of a new emir.
This continued even post-independence and subsequently in the fourth republic of Nigeria. When Emir Ado Bayero died, three names were nominated and submitted to the Kano State government. As it is popular knowledge in Kano (released by the state government), the three names included, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, then Danmajen Kano, Nasir Ado Bayero, the then Turakin Kano, and Alhaji Tijjani Hashim, late Galadiman Kano. The state government picked and confirmed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the emir.
Some people usually refer to the brief uprising that happened around the vicinity of the emir’s palace when criticising the choice of Sanusi. However, they amusingly neglect the fact that same uprising happened when Alhaji Ado Bayero was also announced emir in 1963. It also took him time to acclimatise then, in fact at one time General Murtala had to take him out of Kingsway Stores Lagos. Thus, same happened with Sanusi as well.
Violence as a tool of suppression
During the balkanisation saga and subsequent dethronement of Emir Sanusi II, the former government made maximum use of thugs to harass, threaten and even attack anyone that criticised and or protested the government’s position. Immediately former Governor Ganduje signed the balkanisation law, thugs were mobilised to the Kano emir’s palace to attack anyone that came in solidarity to the age long emirate.
In fact, youth groups staging protest were dispersed by the same thugs and subsequently threatened a BBC reporter. On the day Ganduje decided to remove Sanusi, the Kano emir’s palace was taken over by those same thugs, threatening family members and everyone.
It took Sanusi’s statement calling on people to accept the new Emir to avoid bloodshed. If Emir Sanusi had not made that statement, the situation could have been worse. This trend of violence has not stopped even after they (APC government) have left.
Recently, one Danbilki commander threatened violence if the kano balkanisation law is reversed by the NNPP led government. Another APC leader from Gezawa axis was reported to be warning on possibility of violence if emirates are dissolved.
In addition, allies, and supporters of current Emir Aminu Ado, were also part of the violence threat issuance thread. They have been on rampage of abuse and death threat wishes on anyone calling on the state government to investigate the emirate issue and do justice to it. It is rather amusing why they are afraid of people’s criticism of their illegality.
Fascinatingly, the late Ado Bayero’s supporters carried out rampage during former governor Rimi’s era that cost several lives including that of Dr. Bala Muhammad. One keeps wondering why they have always resort to violence with regards to this issue if at all it was done with overwhelming support of the populace.
As calls are now intensified on the NNPP led government of Abba K. Yusuf to properly investigate the Kano emirates’ issue particularly the alleged the strong roles played by the emirs during the 2023 election and legal battles up to Supreme Court against the NNPP and Gov. Abba, these disgusting calls to violence need to be stopped. If there were no calls to violence during the balkanisation despite how unpopular it was, then why should there be blood if they are removed?
In a democratic society, the rule of law, freedom of expression, and open discourse should be cherished values. The threats to facts, and violence surrounding the Balkanisation of Kano Emirate not only undermine the principles of democracy but also endanger the lives and well-being of citizens.
It is imperative for the democratic institutions, civil society, and the public to vehemently reject and condemn such actions, ensuring that democratic values are upheld, and the rule of law prevails. Only through a commitment to these principles can a society truly thrive and progress.
Kabara can be reached via: mgkabara2@gmail.com
