Kano Government Calls for Respect of Appeal Court Ruling in Emirate Dispute

The Kano State government has urged all parties involved in the ongoing Emirate tussle to respect the recent ruling by the Federal Court of Appeal and collaborate in promoting peace, unity, and progress in the state.

This statement was made during a press conference on Saturday, addressed by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isah Dederi.

Dederi expressed the government’s satisfaction with the Appeal Court’s judgment, which overturned previous decisions made by the Federal High Court regarding chieftaincy matters and reaffirmed Governor Abba Yusuf’s decisions.

“On behalf of the Kano State Government, we express our profound satisfaction with the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, concerning the Emirate Council issue involving His Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II and other parties,” Dederi stated.

He explained that the ruling validated the government’s lawful actions concerning chieftaincy appointments and reforms within the state’s traditional institutions, further underscoring the state’s commitment to justice, fairness, and adherence to due process while modernizing traditional structures.

“The decision reaffirms the government’s efforts to modernize traditional institutions while preserving the cultural heritage of Kano State. It also clarifies the rightful jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, highlighting the constitutional limits of the courts in such cases,” he added.

The Attorney General emphasized that the Appeal Court’s decision had voided all previous judgments from the Federal High Court in Kano, confirming the correctness of the state’s actions. He also noted that the Kano State House of Assembly’s law on Emirates and all actions taken by the governor under this law were fully upheld and legalized by the Court of Appeal.

“In strict adherence to the rule of law and in defense of democracy, all public and private institutions, as well as individuals, are required to comply with the Court of Appeal’s decision and act accordingly,” Dederi stated.

He concluded by expressing gratitude to the judiciary for upholding justice and fairness, and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with traditional institutions to ensure harmony and foster development across the emirates.

“Let us continue to prioritize the collective good of Kano State above all individual interests,” the Attorney General urged.