NNPP lawmaker contests Rano emirate’s demotion

The member representing Rano /Kunkure/Kibiya Federal Constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives, Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, has opposed the demotion of Rano emirate council to a second class status.

Rurum, a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) member, vowed to challenge the state government’s decision.

Rurum, who is Chairman, House Committee on Air Force, faulted the development during inauguration of the Nigerian Air Force Girls Boarding Secondary School in Rano at the weekend.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf recently assented to the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, which dissolved the five first class emirates of Bichi, Kano, Rano, Gaya, Karaye established by his predecessor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

While the dethronement of the five emirs was being subjected to legal determination, a bill for creation of a second class emirates in Rano, Gaya and Karaye was passed and signed into law by the governor.

Under the new law, the second class emirates of Rano, Gaya and Karaye are restricted to resolving rural matters within their newly structured domains and are answerable to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who remains the only first class monarch.

Rurum, a former member of All Progressives Congress (APC) who decamped and got re-elected to the Green Chamber under NNPP, argued that the dissolution was an unpopular policy that must be rejected.

“I want to assure every citizen of Kano South that I strongly oppose the dissolution of our emirate. I stand firmly with our first-class Rano Emirate, and no one can demote us to a second-class status.

“This is the position bestowed upon us by God. We are the descendants of Autan Bawo, with a rich history in Hausaland. We understand the value and honuor that God has granted us as the people of Rano,” he stated.”

Reminded of the likely consequence of challenging decision of his party and ruling government, Rurum insisted he would continue to kick against any government policy that is not in tandem with the will of his constituents.

“I have just voiced my opinion, and that is my position. If my party takes any unpopular decision against my constituency, I will go against it. Remember, I was first elected by my constituents before a political party, and as far as I’m concerned, my people come first.”

Reacting, state NNPP chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, said the lawmaker was entitled to his opinion and rights under the 1999 Constitution (as altered) to freely express concern over any issue, including government policies.