Judge who tried to block Sanusi’s reinstatement is in America-Gov Yusuf

Joseph Irikefe

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, on Friday revealed that Justice Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court in Kano, who issued an order to prevent the state government from implementing the Kano State Emirate Council Repeal Law, is currently in America.

Governor Yusuf highlighted that he signed the proposed law at 5:14 pm on Thursday, after which the court orders were issued six hours later. He questioned the timing, suggesting that the motion ex-parte was prepared even before he had assented to the bill passed by the State House of Assembly. “At what time had they approached the court to obtain the order?” he asked.

The order from Justice Liman followed an application by a kingmaker, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi. The respondents in the case include the Kano State Government, Kano Assembly, the Speaker, the Attorney-General, the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the State Security Service (SSS).

“The judge is in America; how can he sit in America and give an order in Nigeria to stop a legitimate process?” Governor Yusuf queried. He noted that Sanusi’s reinstatement was delayed because the due process was being followed. He however said that he will report the erring judge to the National Judicial Council (NJC).

“The Assembly members did their legislative duty and passed the bill into law. We met with law enforcement agencies and the kingmakers before I signed the law,” Yusuf stated. He asserted that the law is now in effect and cannot be stopped.

The Kano State Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024 impacts the five dethroned emirs, favoring the reinstatement of Sanusi. The law stipulates that all traditional office holders and titleholders elevated or appointed under the repealed Principal law from December 5, 2019, shall revert to their prior positions based on recognized customs and traditions.

“It is not a new stool, and Sanusi is not a new emir. The king has only returned home to his throne after it was balkanized. It has all along been his throne,” Yusuf said.

The governor assured that Kano remains peaceful and urged residents to continue their daily activities without concern.