The proposed amendment to the Kano Emirate Council Laws progressed on Wednesday, passing its first reading on the floor of the Kano State House of Assembly.
Speaker Ismail Jibril Falgore announced the unanimous adoption of the motion brought forward by Majority Leader Lawan Husaini Yan Gurasa to revise the existing emirate law.
“This move aims to revisit the division of the Kano Emirate into five independent units, a decision initially implemented by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje,” said a source familiar with the legislative proceedings.
Speaker Falgore, in his remarks, highlighted the significance of the amendment. “The Assembly is committed to ensuring that our traditional institutions reflect the will of the people and preserve our cultural heritage,” he stated.
The 2019 Emirate Law, which established the new emirates of Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye alongside the historic Kano Emirate, had allocated specific local government areas to each emirate.
This law also formed the State Council of Chiefs, comprising the five first-class chiefs, the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, and local government chairmen, among other members.
In 2020 and 2023, further amendments were made to the law, stipulating that only descendants of the emirs are eligible for appointment as emirs.
The proposed bill will undergo further legislative scrutiny on Thursday. “The next steps are crucial as we deliberate on the potential impacts of this amendment. It is essential that all members contribute to this vital discussion,” added the speaker.
Majority Leader Lawan Husaini Yan Gurasa expressed optimism about the amendment. “This amendment seeks to unify our traditional leadership and restore the integrity of the Kano Emirate. We anticipate thorough and thoughtful debates as we move forward,” he commented.
The legislative process continues, with the assembly set to delve deeper into the proposed changes in the coming days.
