The Professor Ango Abdullahi-led Northern Elders Forum, on Thursday, said the multiplication and duplicity of emirates in Kano was targeted at undermining traditional rulers in the region.
Recall former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje sacked Sanusi Lamido as emir in 2019 and signed into law a bill which created five new emirates.
The then governor assented to an amendment to the law on 14 October, 2020 and again signed another amendment on 11 April, 2023.
The NEF said that division was aimed at weakening traditional institutions in the North.
Reacting to the dissolution of all the four newly created Emirate councils by the Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday, the forum said politicians are playing politics with traditional institutions rendering them ineffective.
NewsNGR reported that the State House of Assembly repealed the Kano State Emirates Council Amendment Bill on Thursday, which in effect dissolved the Emirates created by the Ganduje government.
The bill was hastily considered on the floor of the House after scaling second and third readings on Thursday morning.
A statement by the Director Publicity and Advocacy of the Forum, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, released to newsmen in Kaduna, on Thursday, expressed concern over the development
According to the forum, with the multiplication and duplicity, the power and influence of the traditional rulers are now at the detriments of politicians where they can be easily manipulated.
The Forum also noted that the arbitrary enthronement and replacement of high-ranking traditional rulers in Kano not only weaken the authority and legitimacy of traditional rulers but also send a message that their role and relevance in society are easily dispensable.
The move, the northern body said, was not only threatening the unity and cohesion of the traditional structure but also undermining the centuries-old customs, values, and traditions that have been the bedrock of Nigerian society.
The northern elders, however, cautioned parties concerned to tread softly on the matter while noting that rash decisions and inflammatory statements could only jeopardise the peace and stability of the state.
Consequently, the pan-northern organisation urged Kano state and politicians involved to exercise caution in handling the sensitive issue in order to prevent further escalation of tensions in the state.
They said, “The Northern Elders Forum is extremely worried and profoundly agitated by the recent events in Kano, where emirates have been multiplied and traditional rulers have been dethroned and replaced, saying it is a clear example of the struggles faced by traditional rulers in the country.
“The NEF is worried that the recent crisis surrounding the emirate in Kano state has raised tensions and concerns among the public.
“As responsible citizens, we urge the government of Kano state and politicians involved to exercise caution in handling this sensitive issue in order to prevent further escalation of tensions.
“It is important for all parties involved to approach this matter with the utmost care and professionalism, keeping in mind the potential consequences of their actions.
“Rash decisions and inflammatory statements can only serve to worsen the situation and jeopardise the peace and stability of the state.
“We also call upon the public to remain calm and law-abiding in the face of this crisis. It is crucial that we do not engage in any actions that could potentially threaten the peace and security of the state.
“Violence and unrest will only serve to further divide us and hinder any chance of finding a peaceful resolution to the current situation.
“In times of crisis, it is imperative that we come together as a community and work towards finding common ground and mutual understanding. Let us all strive to prioritise peace and harmony, and avoid actions that could lead to further discord and conflict.
“The NEF however notes that the traditional institution in Nigeria has long been facing challenges and obstacles that have rendered it weak and ineffective. Now, this problem seems to be particularly acute in Kano, where a power struggle has led to the creation of multiple emirates, thereby diluting the authority and influence of traditional rulers in the region.”
It emphasised that, “The multiplication and duplicity of emirates in Kano is a clear attempt to weaken the traditional institution and undermine the authority of the traditional rulers.
“By creating multiple emirates, the power and influence of individual traditional rulers are diluted, making it easier for politicians to control and manipulate them.”
The Forum also called on the government to create constitutional (role) powers for traditional institutions in the country, pointing out that it was imperative that traditional rulers be re-empowered and given the recognition and support they deserved.
This, the Forum argued, would address the challenges currently being faced by traditional rulers and reinvigorate the traditional institution in the country.
“This can only be achieved through a concerted effort to restore the statutory recognition of traditional rulers in the country and provide them with the necessary resources and authority to fulfil their duties effectively.
“Without the necessary empowerment and support, traditional rulers will continue to struggle to play a meaningful role in society, particularly in addressing pressing issues such as crime and drug abuse.
“Their marginalisation not only diminishes their ability to effectively govern their domains but also leaves them vulnerable to political interference and manipulation.”