Court Judgement on Kano and its Aftermath
By Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi, FNSE
The two judgments of the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal in respect of Kano turned out to be an anticlimax due to a number of reasons. It is noteworthy that, with the two earlier judgments and considering many factors, many well-informed Nigerians focused their attention on what is likely to come out of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court serves as the Court of Public Policy, the apex court of justice, and its decisions become legally binding precedents for years to come unless there is a change in its stance.
This decision does not come as a surprise to many of us because, looking at the very weak reasons adduced by both the tribunal and the Court of Appeal and considering earlier judgments – what they call precedent – one can comfortably conclude that the basis of the two judgments cannot stand in the Supreme Court. There are many gaps to be filled. The Supreme Court has done a commendable job of taking the people’s mandate into consideration for peace and stability to reign in the State and the country at large.
Considering the fragile nature of our democracy, the position of Kano as the bastion of progressive politics, and what happened during the 2019 and 2023 elections, one is confident that, at the end of the day, truth will triumph over falsehood, and hence, nobody can take us for a ride. It is nauseating to say the least that a party that was thoroughly beaten at all elections can now come through the backdoor to claim victory in a State like Kano. The essence of democracy is to give the public a voice, a chance, and the power to choose who they want as a leader. One cannot force themselves on the public because then it will become a dictatorship rather than a free and fair democracy.
In the course of discussions on the way out, history, culture, politics, and religion were all considered, and the conclusion reached is that you cannot do that to Kano people and succeed. Kano is filled with passionate people who are firm in their beliefs. You cannot easily change their minds when they love something or are against it. They are stubborn when it comes to getting what they want and can go to any length to see that they’ve achieved their goals.
Just before the commencement of the judgment, to keep myself busy, I browsed through a book I earlier read titled ‘Government in Kano, 1350-1950’ by M. G. Smith, which reinforces my firm belief and conviction that leadership in Kano is not a new phenomenon, and the people have never relented in ensuring that they get what they want. That is what you will find when you go through the pre-jihad, jihad, colonial, and post-colonial periods. We are a developing country, and people are conversant with their rights, the power they wield against the government, and the knowledge necessary to checkmate the system and make the necessary amendments that will bring about the desired change for a better and brighter future for generations to come.
It is my hope and prayer that His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf will succeed in the onerous task ahead. May Allah see him through, and may he bring the necessary change that our dear State needs.
