# Tags

COURT OF APPEAL HALTS SANUSI’S REINSTATEMENT AS EMIR OF KANO, AWAITING SUPREME COURT DECISION

In a dramatic twist, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has halted the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, pending the determination of an appeal at the Supreme Court. This decision comes after the Kano State Government appealed the January 10 judgment that upheld the repeal of the 2019 Emirate Council Law. The Court of Appeal set aside the June 20 order by Justice Abubakar Liman of the Federal High Court, Kano, which nullified the steps taken by the Kano State Government to dissolve the newly created emirates and reinstate Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano. The appellate court held that the order was made without jurisdiction. Aminu Baba Dan (Sarkin Dawaki Babba) had filed an application seeking an order to restrain the respondents from enforcing the appellate court’s judgment while the appeal was pending at the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeal, led by Justice Okon Abang, granted the injunction, stating that “the law is settled. The court is enjoined to exercise its discretion judiciously and in the interest of justice.” Justice Abang emphasized the need to maintain the status quo, noting that a valid appeal was pending before the Supreme Court. The court restrained the respondents from enforcing the January 10 judgment and ordered that the situation remain unchanged until the Supreme Court’s final decision. The applicant was directed to file an undertaking within 14 days to indemnify the respondents in damages if the order was later deemed unnecessary. This development puts on hold the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, pending the Supreme Court’s decision.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO EMIR SANUSI’S COMMENTS ON ECONOMIC REFORMS

The Federal Government has responded to recent comments made by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II regarding the economic reforms introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. In a statement, the government noted that while Emir Sanusi has the right to express his opinions, it is disappointing that he would publicly admit to withholding the truth due to personal interests. According to Honourable Minister Mohammed Idris, “Nigeria is at a pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges.” Mohammed Idris stated that the government has implemented transformative reforms to secure Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth. He noted that these reforms are already delivering measurable progress, including the unification of exchange rates, which has bolstered investor confidence and increased foreign reserves. Mohammed Idris emphasized that the temporary pains experienced from these reforms are a necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management. He urged Emir Sanusi to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones, and prioritize the greater good of Nigerians. Mohammed Idris stated that rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders. The government urged esteemed leaders to refrain from rhetoric that undermines public trust, and instead champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria. Mohammed Idris concluded that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains resolute in its mission to lead Nigeria towards economic inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

COURT OF APPEAL UPHOLDS SANUSI LAMIDO SANUSI’S APPOINTMENT AS EMIR OF KANO

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the verdict of the Federal High Court in Kano, which had questioned the appointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano. In a judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Mustapha, the appellate court ruled that the Federal High Court had overstepped its jurisdiction by interfering in chieftaincy matters. The lower court had nullified the government’s appointment of Sanusi as a first-class emir, following an application by Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, a member of the emirate council under former Emir Aminu Ado Bayero. Dan’Agundi had argued that the sacking of Bayero and the dissolution of the five emirates without due consultation had infringed on his fundamental rights. However, the appellate court declared that the Federal High Court had no jurisdiction to intervene in matters related to the Kano State Emirate Council Law. It emphasized that the principal reliefs sought by Bayero did not fall within the scope of fundamental human rights and were instead connected to chieftaincy issues. Citing Section 251 of the Nigerian Constitution, the court affirmed that the Federal High Court lacked the authority to address matters related to chieftaincy. The appellate court also overturned the judgment of Justice Amina Aliyu of the Kano State High Court, directing the Kano State Chief Judge to reassign the matter for a fresh hearing. With this judgment, Muhammadu Sanusi II remains the legitimate ruler of the Kano throne. He was reinstated by Governor Abba Yusuf on May 3, 2024, after assenting to the Kano Emirates Repeal Law enacted by the Kano State House of Assembly.