The Kano State House of Assembly has formally requested the Court of Appeal in Kano to stay proceedings at the Federal High Court, following the challenge against the legality of the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law 2024 by Aminu Danagundi, Sarkin Dawaki Babba. This move comes ahead of the anticipated ruling by Justice Abdullahi Liman on Thursday, June 20, 2024.
The Assembly’s appeal, filed by lawyer Eyitayo Fatogun, aims to halt the Federal High Court’s decision-making process until the appeal is resolved. The appellant seeks an injunction to prevent enforcement of the repealed law, stressing the conflicting orders from Kano State High Court and the Federal High Court on the same matter.
Justice Liman had earlier dismissed an application for a stay of proceedings, prompting the Assembly to file Appeal No: CA/KN/26/2024. The appeal also requests a stay on all orders, including the ex-parte order granted on May 23, 2024, pending the appeal’s outcome.
Background of the Crisis
The legal contest centers around the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law 2024, which the Kano State House of Assembly passed and the governor assented to. The law’s repeal has sparked significant controversy, leading to multiple court cases.
Political Reactions and Tensions
The All Progressives Congress (APC) criticized comments by Rabiu Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, alleging the APC’s attempt to take over Kano State by declaring a state of emergency. The APC condemned these remarks as irresponsible and inflammatory, emphasizing the need for calm and legal resolution.
APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, expressed disappointment at Kwankwaso’s allegations, stressing that the federal government remains neutral in the emirate crisis and trusts the judiciary to handle the matter fairly.
Current Status and Implications
The Kano State House of Assembly insists that the Federal High Court’s continued jurisdiction over the matter undermines the authority of the Court of Appeal. They argue that resolving this jurisdictional conflict is crucial to preventing potential unrest in Kano.
As the ruling on the legality of the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law 2024 approaches, the state’s political and social stability hangs in the balance. The appeal to the higher court aims to ensure that legal procedures are respected and that a comprehensive and just resolution is achieved.
