Aminu Babba Danagundi, a kingmaker loyal to Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano, has stated that the crisis within the emirate is just beginning. Danagundi, who has filed a lawsuit to contest the reinstatement of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi as Emir of Kano, made this remark at the Nassarawa Mini palace on Sunday.
He was responding to the ruling of a three-member panel of justices delivered on Friday. In their judgment, read by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, the court determined that the earlier annulment of Sanusi’s appointment lacked the necessary jurisdiction. The court subsequently ordered the transfer of the case to the Kano State High Court. Justice Kolawole asserted that, being a chieftaincy matter, it should have been resolved by the Kano State High Court instead of the Federal High Court.
In his response, Danagundi remarked, “Concerning the Court of Appeal’s judgment, you are all aware that we approached the Federal High Court due to our fundamental rights. The judge believed he had the jurisdiction to address the matter. In his ruling, I am still recalling my memory. He mentioned that all the judgments and citations regarding the jurisdiction of the Federal High Courts refer to the case of Sarkin Muri, where the Supreme Court ruled that any chieftaincy-related issues must return to the State High Courts.
“However, our case and that of Sarki Muri are different. The judge elaborated on this in his ruling. But since the Court of Appeal has decided that the Federal High Court lacks the jurisdiction to handle this case, we have no choice but to appeal their judgment.” Danagundi indicated that he had instructed his lawyers to make all necessary arrangements to file an appeal at the Supreme Court.
“I have already directed my lawyers since Friday to obtain a certified true copy of that judgment so we can appeal to the Supreme Court. As you know, once you appeal a decision or judgment from a lower court or the Court of Appeal, it remains with the Supreme Court until the final resolution of the case before them.
Therefore, I stated when I left the court that I am not satisfied with the Court of Appeal’s decision, and I was present during that decision. The judge who authored the lead judgment expressed that, having considered everything that transpired, he believes we should transfer this case to the state’s Chief Judge for reassignment to another court to ensure a fair hearing. They are not saying they disagree with us; they are merely stating that they lack the jurisdiction. That’s all they indicated.
“After he concluded reading his judgment, the other two judges disagreed with him. As you know, there are three judges. If two judges disagree, the appeal is dismissed. For that reason, I must appeal the ruling of that court to the Supreme Court. Whatever the Supreme Court decides will be final. Then we will leave it to Almighty Allah. As I have mentioned, the case of His Royal Highness Mustafa Jikolo, the Emir of Gwandu, initiated the fair hearing issue in the state high court nearly 20 years ago. The case is not about timing. Why? How? What is the issue? Therefore, no one can celebrate victory on this matter because the case is still ongoing. I have appealed against that judgment.
“I spent 17 years in court with the late Emir Ado Bayero and emerged victorious. If I must spend 20 years on this, so be it; governors will come and go, but we will persist until we reach the finish line. No governor can impose an Emir on us. I fear no human being born of a woman regarding this matter. I am prepared to go to any lengths.
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“They have granted us a fair hearing. So let’s return for a retrial of that case. We are awaiting the state’s chief judge to assign a judge of their choice. We know what we will do before him. If we agree with him, we will return the next day. This is a process that could take as long as only God knows.”
Further commenting on Aminu Ado Bayero’s stay at the Nassarawa Mini palace, he stated that a court of law has issued a judgment on that matter, and until it is challenged, it remains in effect. He said, “The Emir of Kano is in this residence, and the court has ruled that he should remain here. He will receive protection from all security agencies for as long as the ongoing cases are unresolved. In the case of the Kano State High Court, they also declared that the security agencies, including the DSS and the Inspector General, should cease providing security for the Emir.
“That ruling was set aside. Therefore, the IG, the military, and the DSS should now provide maximum security for the Emir of Kano. That is the current position. That is what they requested, and it has been nullified. So that is the situation.”
