The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for an end to state governors’ right to remove monarchs, stressing the need to maintain traditional institutions and avoid political intrusion.
The demand came after five emirs were dethroned in Kano State and Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who was ousted in 2020, was reinstated.
The action has triggered a political crisis in the state, with many demanding for a reassessment of the statutes that allow governors to dismiss traditional rulers at their discretion.
Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of MURIC, stated that the organisation has long advocated for the repeal of these laws, emphasising the need to safeguard traditional rulers from political manipulations.
He said:
“The city of Kano is currently embroiled in crisis as the state governor, Abba Yusuf, deposed five emirs and reinstated Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi who was dethroned as emir of Kano on Monday, 9th March 2020.
“MURIC is shocked by these developments. It is not only embarrassing but confusing and that is to say the least as we struggle to restrain ourselves from going into any explosive outburst.
“Politicians are out to debilitate, destabilize and finally dismantle the traditional system. The governors have bastardised the traditional system the same way they messed up the local government system all over the country.
“The show of power in Kano in the last 48 hours are symptomatic of a serious decay and big threat to our nascent democracy. Traditional rulers are made victims of political intrigues and the fear of the total collapse of traditional values hangs above our heads like the sword of Damocles.
“It is an open secret that governors act with politics at the back of their minds. We strongly condemn the way and manner two governors, past and present, have turned the revered stool of the ancient city of Kano into a tool for ping-pong game and our traditional rulers who should be respected by the governors are now being pushed hither and thither.
“The position of MURIC has always been that governors should no longer be allowed to dethrone traditional rulers and we have ventilated this campaign on several occasions.
“The naked dance in the market place currently going on in Kano has made it more imperative for Nigerians to rise against the excesses of governors. It is time we demand from our lawmakers to immunise traditional rulers from disgraceful, untimely, unnecessary and politically motivated dethronements.
“That will not necessarily make the traditional rulers all powerful. Traditional rulers who misbehave can still be sanctioned by the kingmakers. He can be suspended or dethroned but it will be by his own people. The kingmakers are enough for the king as checks and balances.
“MURIC appeals to all stakeholders in the Kano imbroglio to tread softly. They should desist from making inflammable statements.
“All sides in the saga have gone to the extreme. The deposition of Emir Sanusi in 2020 allegedly for insurbordination was an extreme measure.
“But ordering the arrest of Emir Ado Bayero after his removal is high-handed particularly without stating his crime. Revenge is a wild dish and the path of moderation is the path of decency.
“While we call on Kano citizens to remain calm, we appeal to the security agencies to avoid confrontation. Kano must not burn.”
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