By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-01-24 03:14:49
The 2023 guber poll in Kano was more than just a battle for the governorship seat. After the Supreme Court dismissed judgments that had previously removed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the stage was set for the next phase of politics in the emirates.
The verdict of the apex court came as a surprise to the loyalists of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who had been celebrating their anticipated victory. Thousands of customised fabrics were distributed to celebrate what they thought would be a triumph for their candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna. However, they ultimately had to watch as Governor Yusuf returned to the state amidst a crowd of Kwankwasiyya supporters and residents of Kano.
Now that the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has emerged victorious, it is time for Governor Yusuf to deliver on his campaign promises and begin the work of governance. The last six months had seen a lot of time and resources spent on legal battles, and it is now crucial for the governor to focus on the needs and aspirations of the people of Kano.
Governance has been slowed down due to the governor’s time being taken up by legal battles in Abuja. Now, the people of Kano are eager to see the governor fulfill his promises and begin to address issues such as the controversial demolition of “illegally acquired public property” and the reinstatement of the deposed 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II. These decisions could be met with backlash from the public, as they have been points of contention in the past.
There is also a resurgence of calls to restore Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, following the Supreme Court verdict. Those advocating for his return remind Governor Yusuf that this was part of his campaign promises. The creation of the five emirates was controversial, as it was seen as an attempt by the previous governor to weaken Sanusi’s power. It has now become a point of contention in the post-election period.
There are differing views on how to handle the issue of the emirates, with some arguing that their creation brought about decentralization and improved governance, while others advocate for the reinstatement of Sanusi and the dismantling of the emirates. The political landscape in Kano is complex, and it remains to be seen how Governor Yusuf will navigate the challenges he faces in fulfilling his promises and governing the state.
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