Residents across the four Kano emirates recently sacked by the Abba Kabir led administration are lamenting how the government’s action is affecting the usual vibrant and joyous moments of Eid el-Kabir celebrations taking on an unusually quiet tone this year.
The emirates of Rano, Gaya, Karaye, and Bichi, which were deeply impacted by the administrative changes enacted by the former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, are experiencing an unlikely unprecedented silence during the festive season.
The dissolution of the newly created emirate councils by the Kano State House of Assembly has significantly dampened the spirit of the Sallah festivities, this medium observed.
Typically, these celebrations are marked by elaborate ceremonies, community gatherings, and bustling markets, but this year, the streets are noticeably subdued.
Residents of Rano emirate have expressed their sorrow and frustration over the impact of the dissolution.
Alhaji Yusuf Abdullahi, a resident of Rano, explained that this year’s Eid celebrations are quite different and dismaying.
Rano Emirate Emirs Palace
“This Eid feels different; it’s like a part of our identity has been taken away. Our emirate’s traditions and festivities brought us together, and now there’s a void.”
The dissolution has not only affected the communal spirit but also the economic activities tied to the celebrations. Marketplaces that once buzzed with life are now facing a lull, with vendors and traders worried about their livelihoods.
Local businesses, which usually experience a surge in sales during Sallah, are also feeling the pinch. The dissolution has led to uncertainty and a cautious approach among customers.
One of Street in Rano Town
“Normally, we would have sold out of goods by now. People are hesitant to spend, and the usual festive rush is missing,” lamented Haruna Musa, a shop owner in Rano.
“Eid al-Kabir was always a time of prosperity for us. This year, we are barely getting by,” noted Mallam Ibrahim Danasabe Yalwa.
In Bichi emirate, the mood is similarly somber. One of the youth leaders, Usman Idris while sharing his concerns said, “Our emirate had a unique way of celebrating that united everyone. Now, without our council, there’s a sense of loss and confusion.”
Bichi Emirs Palace
He added that the impact of the emirate dissolution is far-reaching, affecting not just the celebratory customs but also the social and economic fabric of Bichi emirate.
One of the Street in Bichi Town
In Gaya, the story is much the same. Residents are grappling with the changes and the resultant impact on their Eid celebrations.
Gaya Emirs Palace
Aminu Adamu, a local trader, expressing his distress lamented that, “Our traditions have been disrupted. The dissolution has left us in a state of uncertainty. We don’t know what to expect anymore.”
Similarly, in Karaye, the festive spirit has been dampened. Some residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation of dissolution of the five emirates in the state by the House of Assembly.
One of the Street in Karaye Town
Nura Bello Karaye, a community leader, explained that, “This year’s Eid lacks the joy and communal spirit we are used to. The administrative changes have left us feeling fragmented and uncertain about our future.”
Kano Times recalls that Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf reappointed Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, four years after he was dethroned by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The governor also deposed five emirs appointed by Ganduje and gave them a 48-hour ultimatum to vacate their official residences and palaces.
