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 had its third reading on Tuesday, during a session presided over by Speaker Ismail Falgore. The session began at 10:10 a.m. and terminated at 11:06 a.m.
According to the bill, the newly constituted Rano emirate will include Rano, Bunkure, and Kibiya local government areas. The Gaya emirate will comprise Gaya, Albasu, and Ajingi local government areas, whilst the Karaye emirate will cover Karaye and Rogo local governments.
The second-class emirs in these emirates will report to the Emir of Kano. They will be able to advise the Emir on issues relating to public order, boundary disputes, community problems, and religious concerns within their territories.
According to Section 3 of the bill, all appointments and actions of first- and second-class emirs must be approved by the governor through the Commissioner for Local Governments. Section 4 describes the hierarchical organisation, with the Emir of Kano as the head of all emirates and second-class emirs ruling over their separate local government districts.
Section 7 authorises the governor to nominate any competent individual as a second-class emir in accordance with the terms of Section 4.
Ibrahim Muhammadu, a NNPP member representing Rano, has indicated support for the establishment of the Rano emirate. “The formation of the Rano Emirate is a positive step. “It is one of the ancient emirates that existed before Kano state,” he explained. Muhammadu thanked the deputy speaker and other party leaders for their support.
The bill specifically excludes the Bichi emirate, which was established by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje but was abolished by the new Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law 2024.
Once Governor Abba Kabir grants his consent, the bill will become law.