Consultation, consensus, safest options for resolution – Prof Naniya

Professor Tijjani Muhammad Muhammad Naniya is a Professor of History and Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on the Kano State Emirates Council. In this interview with Weekend Trust, he speaks on renewed concerns that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection to the APC could reopen the lingering Kano Emirate crisis, the legal hurdles involved, and possible political pathways to resolution.

There are fresh concerns that following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection to the APC, the unresolved Kano Emirate crisis may resurface. Some believe Aminu Ado Bayero could return as Emir, while others think the parties may reach a compromise. From a historical perspective, how likely is this?

There are two or three ways to look at this issue. First is the nature of the removal of Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano. His removal was not arbitrary; it was done through a law passed by the Kano State House of Assembly and assented to by the governor.

That law repealed the earlier 2019 legal framework under which Aminu Ado Bayero was appointed. Unless that law is reviewed or repealed, there is no legal basis for his return as emir.

In fact, when the matter went to court in 2024, the Court of Appeal sitting in Kano held that it had nothing to adjudicate on because the issue was backed by an existing law duly enacted by the state. It was on the strength of that law that Aminu Ado Bayero was removed and Muhammadu Sanusi II, was appointed.

Does Governor Yusuf’s defection to the APC change anything legally or politically?

Legally, it does not change anything. But politically, it may reduce tensions, especially around the role of law enforcement agencies. After Aminu Ado Bayero’s removal, there was no legal justification for continued security protection, but due to certain interests at the federal level, security agencies were involved.

With the governor now in the APC, those tensions may ease, and the misuse of security agencies could be addressed. I have heard government officials say there is no longer an interest in sustaining that conflict and that efforts are being made to resolve the issue amicably.

What about the cases currently before the courts?

That is another important dimension. Some defendants are still in court, and the matter is now before the Supreme Court. Until the apex court gives its judgment, the legal process will continue.

However, there is another possible route: consensus. The government and the defendants could sit down, reach an understanding, and agree on an amicable settlement. If that happens, the defendants could instruct their lawyers to withdraw the case from the Supreme Court, and that would effectively end the dispute.

Is there any scenario under which Aminu Ado Bayero could legally return as Emir?

Only if the law that removed him is reviewed or repealed. And that would require going back to the House of Assembly to initiate a fresh legislative process. Outside of that, there is no lawful way for him to return.

You cannot reverse an action created by law without another law. Anything outside that would contradict both the Constitution and existing statutes.

Could political interests override the legal process?

Political interests always exist, but they must operate within the law. The most realistic and safest option is consultation and consensus. If all parties agree that peace and stability in Kano are paramount, then a political settlement that respects the law is possible.

Other than that, there is no shortcut. The law remains the law until it is lawfully changed.

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