A group of 103 elders from the Kano South Senatorial Zone, which includes Rano, Gaya, and Karaye, has called for the reinstatement of five Emirates recently abolished by the state government. The elders argue that the move threatens to marginalize their communities and stall development.
The delegation, led by Musa Salihu Doguwa, a former commissioner under Ibrahim Shekarau’s administration, emphasized the positive impact the Emirates had on local development. “We stand here today to shed light on the immense progress and development that the upgrade of the new Emirates in southern Kano brought about under the visionary leadership of the former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje,” Doguwa stated.
“This transformative initiative paved the way for urban upgrades and expansion of critical infrastructure in the capital and surrounding areas of the Emirates, heralding a new era of prosperity and growth.” He added
He further pointed out the historical significance of these Emirates, noting their deep-rooted cultural heritage. “The new Emirates in Kano South—Gaya, Rano, and Karaye—evolved as separate chiefdoms with a rich historical background.”
The delegation equally expressed concerns about the impact of abolishing the Emirates on the local population, estimated at over 15 million. The previous establishment of the Emirates had facilitated essential services, including tertiary healthcare and educational institutions, which had previously been lacking.
“The span of administrative control in each of the Emirates had hindered their progress due to marginalization, leading to an over-concentration of social amenities and law enforcement resources in Kano City alone,” Doguwa remarked.
They also condemned the recent legislative changes that led to the abolition of the Emirates, arguing that these actions reversed significant developmental strides. “The decision to amend the regressive Emirate law by the State Assembly members and hastily assented to by the current Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is a significant setback to the progress and development of the Emirates,” Doguwa said. “This move not only stripped us of our heritage and potential for growth but also threatened to reverse the positive trajectory set in motion by the previous administration.”
