By Umar Salam
In a move observers regard as attempts to whittle down the influence of Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Kano State House of Assembly today (Wednesday) passed a law creating additional four emirates and four first class emirs.
The law, which was hurriedly passed, was initiated on Monday, scaled first reading on Tuesday, and then passed through second and third reading on Wednesday.
“There is no opposition in the House. Those against the law have walked out.The governor wanted to whittle down the influence of Emir Sanusi, so he created the rival emirates and put them on the same level”, Daily Nigerian quoted one of the House members as saying.
The new law, apart from placing four members at par with emir Sanusi, also provides for rotational chairmanship of the state council of traditional rulers among the emirs.
The four new emirates established by the law include Kano Emirate, Rano Emirate, Gaya Emirate, Karaye Emirate and Bichi Emirates.
The state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, who is believed to be the unseen face behind the new law, has since promised to assent to the law as soon as it is presented to him.
“We heard about a bill sent to the State House of Assembly, requesting them to make a law for the creation of four more Emirs in Kano.
“We believe the petitioners did it in good faith. And they want the development of the state. I hope the legislative arm would work on it and forward to me for assent, which I am ready to sign into law without any waste of time.
“That is the popular wish of our people. This will also go a long way in hastening growth and development in the state,” the governor said at a press briefing earlier today.