Sanusi Lamido seems to be on a crusade of misleading the public and confusing the public particularly those outside the boundaries of Kano State.
By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman
Sunusi Lamido’s recent statements and actions have stirred up unnecessary controversy surrounding the establishment of additional Emirates within Kano State. The former Emir of Kano tends to mislead the public by giving the impression that the Kano Emirate is the same as Kano State as a whole. However, it is critical to clarify that while the Kano Emirate is one of the Emirate Councils within Kano State, long before Jigawa was carved out, Kano State houses multiple Emirs, each overseeing a distinct Emirate.
The controversy arose when Sunusi Lamido opposed the creation of four new Emirates within Kano State by the state government in 2019. This decision was met with mixed reactions, with some supporting the move to establish additional Emirates for more personalized governance, while others saw it as a political maneuver to weaken the influence of the Kano Emirate.
Sunusi Lamido’s opposition to the creation of new Emirates is based on the misconception that the Kano Emirate represents the entirety of Kano State. However, it is essential to understand that Kano State is home to several Emirs, each with their own traditional authority and jurisdiction. The Kano Emirate is just one of the Emirate Councils within the state, alongside others such as Rano, Gaya, Karaye, and Bichi.
By failing to acknowledge the existence of multiple Emirs within Kano State, Sunusi Lamido has created confusion and fueled the controversy surrounding the establishment of additional Emirates. His statements have led some to believe that the move is an attack on the Kano Emirate’s authority, when in reality, it is a broader effort to decentralize governance and bring governance closer to the people in various regions of the state.
It is crucial for the public to understand the distinction between the Kano Emirate and Kano State as a whole. The Emirs of Kano, Rano, Gaya, Karaye, and Bichi each play a vital role in the traditional governance and cultural heritage of their respective Emirates.
Prior to the separation of Jigawa State from Kano State, there existed four Emirates within the state, namely Kano Emirate, Hadejia Emirate, Gumel Emirate, and Kazaure Emirate. Following the creation of Jigawa State, Kano State was left with only one Emirate, the Kano Emirate. Subsequently, to ensure equitable representation and promote development in rural areas, the government of Kano State under Abdullahi Umar Ganduje initiated the establishment of four additional Emirates in the state – Bichi Emirate, Rano Emirate, Karaye Emirate, and Gaya Emirate.
It is important to emphasize that the creation of these additional Emirate Councils has had a positive impact on the affected regions, leading to significant development projects and improved living conditions for the residents. For instance, the transformation witnessed in Bichi Emirate following the appointment of Alhaji Dr. Nasir Ado Bayero, OFR as the Emir of Bichi exemplifies the positive outcomes of the decentralization of traditional authority in Kano State.
In contrast to Sanusi Lamido’s claims, the establishment of multiple Emirate Councils within Kano State aligns with the principles of decentralization and local governance, ensuring that various regions are adequately represented and have access to necessary resources for development. Moreover, the decision to create additional Emirate Councils in Kano State brings it in line with other states in the region, such as Jigawa, which also have multiple Emirs overseeing distinct Emirate Councils.
It is essential to recognize the significance of the creation of additional Emirate Councils within Kano State in promoting development and local governance. The move towards decentralization of traditional authority aims to empower local communities, foster inclusive growth, and enhance the overall wellbeing of residents. Sanusi Lamido’s attempts to sow confusion and misinformation only serve to undermine the progress and positive impact of the establishment of multiple Emirate Councils in Kano State. It is time to embrace the diversity and richness of the traditional institutions within the state, acknowledging the contributions of each Emir in driving progress and prosperity for their respective regions.
