NNPP lawmaker to challenge Kano govt over demotion of Rano Emirate

A Kano lawmaker, representing Rano/Kunkure/Kibiya Federal constituency at the house of representatives, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, has kicked against the demotion of Rano emirate council to second class emirate.

Rurum, a former Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, and member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) vowed to challenge the action of Kano State government on the dissolution and subsequent re-enactment of his emirate in second class authority.

Rurum, who is chairman, House Committee on Air Force, faulted the demotion of his emirate during inauguration of the Nigerian Airforce Girls Boarding Secondary School in Rano at the weekend.

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

While the sack of the five deposed emirs is being subjected to legal determination, an established bill for creation of second class emirate in Rano, Gaya and Karaye was passed and signed into law by Governor Yusuf.

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 shall be answerable to Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who remains the only first class chief.

Rurum, a former member of All Progressives Congress (APC) who decamped and re-elected back to green chamber under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) posited the dissolution is unpopular policy of Governor Yusuf, that stands rejected.

Although the former speaker denied rumour of his plan to return to APC, he maintained it is not time for politicking at the early stage of governance, stressing that time will determine the next line of his political movement.

“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.

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“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 honour that God has granted us as the people of Rano.”

On whether or not mindful of the implications of challenging the decision of his party and ruling government, Rurum insisted he would continue challenging any government policy not in tandem with the will of his constituents.

According to Rurum, ” I have just voiced my opinion and that is my position. If my party takes unpopular decisions 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.

” The entire Rano People are not happy with the decision to demote their emirate to second class. Are you expecting me to go against the will of my people? I will not. This is the reason why I have to voice against it”, Rurum later told The Guardian in a telephone conversation.

Reacting, NNPP chairman in Kano, Hashimu Dungurawa said the Federal lawmaker was entitled to his opinion and rights under the constitution of the country to freely express concern over any issue including policies of government.

Dungurawa posited that it would be unfair to Rurum regardless of his political affiliation with NNPP to condemn his position on the emirate council that has to do with the people he’s representing.