The Kano State House of Assembly in Nigeria 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, with Rano, Gaya, and Karaye designated as second-class emirates.
During a session presided over by Speaker Ismail Falgore, the bill passed its third reading on Tuesday. The session began at 10:10 a.m. and concluded at 11:06 a.m.
The newly established Rano emirate will comprise Rano, Bunkure, and Kibiya local government areas. Gaya emirate will include Gaya, Albasu, and Ajingi local government areas, while Karaye emirate will consist of Karaye and Rogo local government areas.
The second-class emirs of these emirates will be answerable to the Emir of Kano and will have the authority to advise the Emir on matters related to public order, boundary disputes, community conflicts, and religious affairs within their jurisdictions.
According to the bill, all appointments and activities of both first-class and second-class emirs will require the governor’s approval through the Commissioner for Local Governments. The Emir of Kano will head all emirates, with second-class emirs exercising jurisdiction over their respective local government areas. The governor is empowered to appoint any suitable person as a second-class emir per the bill’s provisions.
NNPP member representing Rano, Ibrahim Muhammadu, expressed support for the establishment of the Rano emirate, praising it as a welcome development and recognizing it as one of the ancient emirates that predates Kano state.
Notably, the bill excludes the Bichi emirate, which was created by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje but dissolved by the new Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law 2024.
