Let Democracy Breathe – By Mahmud Shuaibu Ringim

THE annulment of the June 12, 1993, election marked the beginning of a significant struggle for the survival of democracy in Nigeria, a struggle championed by NADECO that brought President Tinubu to political prominence.

When President Obasanjo became the first beneficiary of this struggle, he designated May 29 as Democracy Day, a public holiday to commemorate the event. Later, the APC government under President Buhari changed Democracy Day to June 12, where it remains today.

It is crucial to recognize that the existence of a parliament is fundamental to a democratic government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Parliament justifies the existence of a constitution, which outlines the separation of powers between the Executive, the National Assembly, and the Judiciary, each deriving its authority and responsibilities from the constitution.

Under military rule, the powers of the executive and parliament are combined and exercised by a Ruling Council made up exclusively of military commanders, with a civilian Attorney General serving as the chief legal advisor.

This background makes the federal government’s involvement in recent events in Kano State particularly disturbing and worrisome. The controversy revolves around the state assembly’s power to repeal an Act concerning the composition and number of emirates in the state and restore the previous arrangements.

The critical questions are: Did the state assembly act within its constitutional powers? Was the Governor’s signing of the bill passed by the state assembly valid? Does a Federal High Court have the jurisdiction to stop the state assembly from performing its constitutional duties or prevent the Governor from exercising his power to assent to the bill?

It is unwise and politically ill-advised for the federal government to use security institutions to meddle in a local issue concerning a traditional institution. Such crises have occurred in other states without federal intervention under a democratic dispensation.

The Governor of a state is constitutionally recognized as the chief security officer of the state. This role includes chairing the state security council, which comprises other security chiefs as members. Involving military personnel in local political issues is an overreach of political power, aiming to intimidate and harass an elected government into submission.

The responsibility for repealing an existing law and its abrogation lies with the state’s house of assembly, not with any external entity. The legal process should be allowed to proceed without interference from the executive branch.

A Federal High Court does not have the jurisdiction to make pronouncements on traditional and customary matters, as these do not constitute federal offenses. This responsibility falls under the state’s judiciary, headed by the Chief Judge.

The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) should not be used for short-term political gains. While the NSA has denied involvement, the Deputy Governor of Kano alleged that the National Chairman of the APC, the immediate past Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was using the office of the NSA for political purposes.

Before the return of the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, there were no signs of security breaches in the state. The atmosphere in Kano was peaceful, and it is not advisable to create an impression of a tense security situation under any pretext.

The people of Kano have elected a government with an overwhelming majority in all state and national assembly offices. They should be allowed to execute their mandate without interference.

Emir Sanusi II’s return to the throne may be unprecedented in modern times, but there was a similar incident in Kano before the Fulani Jihad with Sarki Kokuna Dan Alhaji (1651-1652).

In the absence of any breach of peace or threat to security, the provisions of the 1999 constitution, as amended, should be respected by all.

Under the current economic hardship, which has expanded poverty among Nigerians, the Tinubu administration has more pressing issues to address, such as ensuring food security, rather than involving itself in local issues that do not pose any threat to national well-being.

Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is expected to play a vital role in addressing the state’s economic challenges. His extensive experience and global network in the private sector can attract investment to revive the state’s moribund industries.

It is anticipated that he may lead the Kano State Economic Council to chart a course for the state’s economy, leveraging its agricultural and mineral potential. With Emir Sanusi back in leadership, prominent businessmen like Aliko Dangote and Abdulsamad Rabiu could collaborate to elevate Kano’s economic status. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is expected to develop policies that reduce poverty, create jobs, and generate wealth for the people.

President Tinubu will be the greatest beneficiary if Kano State’s economic engine if turned around during his tenure.

Let democracy breathe, and do not strangle it for political expediency that would undermine NADECO’s hard-fought struggle.

Ringim is with HALIM Consulting, writes from Jigawa and can be reached on mahmudshuaibu44@gmail.com.

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