Justice Abdullahi Liman of the Federal High Court, Kano, has set aside the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of the prestigious Kano Emirate.
Although the judge refused to nullify the bill that reinstated Sanusi as the Emir, he faulted the governor for refusing to obey the court’s order to maintain the status quo until the determination of the suit. He therefore overturned all the actions taken by Governor Abba Yusuf after the controversial law was amended by the Kano State House of Assembly on May 23, 2024.
The judge, during the hearing, said he listened to the statement of the governor in the media after assenting to the law, and he was convinced that the respondents (the governor and Kano State House of Assembly) were aware of the order to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motions on notice in the court.
He maintained that the mess in the state would have been avoided if the governor had heeded the court order, which would still have allowed them to carry out their assignments.
Why it Matters
The judiciary is originally supposed to be independent and impartial, with the law as the supreme authority of the state. However, the Kano government had shown disregard for the law in the reinstatement of Sanusi as the Emir despite the court order to maintain the status quo. The decision of the court in setting aside the reinstatement is a step towards redeeming the already failing judicial system.
Bottom Line
Justice Liman’s ruling underscores the importance of adhering to judicial orders and reinforces the principle that no individual or government body is above the law. The decision serves as a crucial reminder of the judiciary’s role in maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that executive actions are subject to legal scrutiny.
