Strike Impedes Court Hearing on Kano Emirate Dispute

By Iyojo Ameh

The ongoing nationwide strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has had repercussions on judicial processes, leading to a postponement of a critical hearing concerning the Kano emirate tussle at the Federal High Court in Kano.

Scheduled to preside over the proceedings, Justice A. M. Liman was expected to address an exparte motion pertaining to the recent upheaval within the Kano State Emirate Council.

The legal action, initiated by Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, contests the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law, which reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano.

Previously, Justice Liman had granted an order to maintain the status quo ante, effectively halting any actions to enforce the contentious law until a detailed review could be conducted on the Fundamental Rights application filed by the concerned parties.

However, the ongoing strike has halted this judicial review, impacting not only the immediate parties involved but also raising broader implications for governance and traditional authority structures within Kano State.

With the court awaiting the resolution of the labour strike to resume regular proceedings, the fate of the Kano emirate hangs in uncertainty. Both legal and social circles keenly await the next developments in this high-stakes legal saga.

The court order, issued prior to the postponement, emphasized the need to maintain the status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill, underscoring the constitutional and jurisdictional issues inherent in the case.

Although the case was adjourned until June 3, 2024, to hear the Fundamental Rights application, the anticipated proceedings on the adjourned date were thwarted by the ongoing strike, prompting a further delay until the resumption of normal court operations.