Emir of Kano drama: “You have 48-hours” — Northern lawyers

A group of lawyers from Northern Nigeria, under the banner of the Northern Lawyers’ Forum, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, demanding he rescind the reinstatement of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II.

At a press briefing held on Tuesday in Abuja, the forum’s Director General, Barrister Umar Sadiq Abubakar, described the reinstatement as “unconstitutional” and “contrary to the traditions and customs of the Kano Emirate.”

Abubakar argued that the removal of Sanusi in 2020 was lawful and in accordance with Emirate traditions. He warned that reversing this decision could “create chaos and undermine the rule of law” in Kano State. The forum also accused Governor Yusuf of disrespecting a Federal High Court ruling that had restrained him from reinstating Sanusi.

According to Abubakar, Yusuf’s reliance on an injunction from the Kano State High Court, which purportedly vacates the Federal High Court’s order, represents a serious affront to the judiciary’s hierarchy and sets a dangerous precedent.

“If the governor fails to retrace his steps, we will be forced to take all necessary legal steps to protect the judiciary and the interests of the people of Kano State,” Abubakar stated.

The forum’s statement emphasized, “It has become pertinent to address the executive rascality and gross disregard for the judiciary by Governor Abba K. Yusuf.

Prior to the reinstatement of deposed Emir Muhammad Sanusi II, a Federal High Court granted an order restraining the Governor and any other party from reinstating him. However, the Governor, in breach of this court order, went ahead with the reinstatement.”

Abubakar underscored the importance of judicial independence and the enforcement of court orders.

“As an organization of young lawyers dedicated to an independent and free judiciary, we are perturbed that a sitting governor, who swore to protect our laws and constitution, would flagrantly disregard a valid court order and engage in illegal actions that threaten the integrity of the judiciary,” he said.