In a bold move, a group of Northern Nigerian lawyers has given Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, a strict 48-hour deadline to reverse his decision to reinstate Emir Muhammad Sanusi II.
The Northern Lawyers’ Forum, at a press briefing in Abuja, decried the reinstatement as “unconstitutional” and “contrary to the traditions and customs of the Kano Emirate.”
Barr Umar Sadiq Abubakar, Director General of the Northern Lawyers’ Forum, asserted that Sanusi’s initial removal adhered to the legal and traditional protocols of the Kano Emirate.
He argued that reinstating Sanusi would disrupt the state’s legal order and create chaos. The group views this action as a significant undermining of the rule of law.
Abubakar accused Governor Yusuf of blatantly disregarding a Federal High Court ruling that prohibited the reinstatement of Sanusi.
He highlighted that Yusuf’s reliance on a purported injunction from the Kano State High Court to nullify the Federal High Court’s order was an outright challenge to judicial authority and set a dangerous precedent undermining the country’s legal hierarchy.
The lawyers cautioned that failure to comply with their ultimatum would compel them to pursue all necessary legal actions to uphold judicial integrity and protect the interests of Kano State residents. Their statement conveyed a clear warning:
“It has become necessary to address the executive overreach and blatant judicial disregard demonstrated by the Governor of Kano State, H.E. Abba K. Yusuf.”
The group reiterated the sequence of events leading to the current standoff. Before Sanusi’s reinstatement, a Federal High Court had issued an order restraining Governor Yusuf and other parties from reinstating Sanusi as Emir. Despite this, Governor Yusuf proceeded with the reinstatement, flouting the court’s directive.
The Northern Lawyers’ Forum emphasized their unwavering commitment to an independent judiciary. They condemned Governor Yusuf’s actions, stating that a governor who has sworn to uphold the law and constitution cannot selectively ignore court orders. They declared their resolve to challenge any illegal actions that threaten the sanctity of justice:
“We will not allow this to go unchallenged. The principle of constitutionalism clearly states that no one is above the law, including the Governor of Kano State.”
