Kano Assembly passes bill creating three second-class emirates

The Kano State House of Assembly has passed the Kano State Emirates Council Establishment Bill 2024, which creates three new second-class emirates.

Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Muhammad Bello Bututu, the bill aims to establish Kano as a first-class emirate, while Rano, Gaya, and Karaye are designated as second-class emirates.

The bill passed its third reading on Tuesday during a session presided over by Speaker Ismail Falgore. The session, which started at 10:10 a.m., concluded at 11:06 a.m.

According to the bill, the newly established Rano emirate will comprise Rano, Bunkure, and Kibiya local government areas. The Gaya emirate will include Gaya, Albasu, and Ajingi local government areas, while the Karaye emirate will consist of Karaye and Rogo local government areas.

The second-class emirs of these emirates will be answerable to the Emir of Kano. They will have the authority to advise the Emir on matters related to public order, boundary disputes, community conflicts, and religious affairs within their jurisdictions.

Section 3 of the bill states that all appointments and activities of both first-class and second-class emirs will require the governor’s approval through the Commissioner for Local Governments. Section 4 outlines the hierarchical structure, establishing the Emir of Kano as the head of all emirates, with second-class emirs exercising jurisdiction over their respective local government areas.

Section 7 empowers the governor to appoint any suitable person as a second-class emir according to the provisions of Section 4.

NNPP member representing Rano, Ibrahim Muhammadu, expressed his support for the establishment of the Rano emirate. “The establishment of the Rano emirate is a welcome development. It is one of the ancient emirates that predates Kano state,” he said. Muhammadu also praised the deputy speaker and other party leaders for their support.

The bill notably excludes the Bichi emirate, which was created by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje but dissolved by the new Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law 2024.

The bill will become law once Governor Abba Kabir gives his assent.