The Kano State House of Assembly remains closed for plenary sittings three weeks after members were scheduled to return from a two-week recess.
According to sources, the delay is due to a police warning about a potential plot by miscreants to bomb the assembly complex.
This warning emerged during a period of crisis in the state, following the scrapping of four emirates and the deposition of all the emirs. The crisis began when lawmakers repealed the State Emirate Council Law 2019, under which former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje had created the four emirates.
The lawmakers began their recess on May 23, the same day they scrapped the Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye emirates. Governor Abba Yusuf signed the bill into law the same day, and reinstated Lamido Sanusi as the sole emir of Kano the following day.
One of the dethroned emirs, Aminu Ado-Bayero, has challenged his removal in court and relocated to the mini palace of Kano at the Nasarawa GRA.
According to PREMIUM TIMES the lawmakers have not resumed from the recess since May 23 due to the security report. The former police commissioner in the state, Hussaini Gumel, announced on May 26 that security agents had received intelligence indicating plans by miscreants to bomb the assembly complex.
“Some are trying to unleash terror in the state by embarking on targeted attacks at locations, particularly the House of Assembly, as well as some prominent locations within the state capital. This intelligence report has been verified by multiple sources.
“We have stated that anyone who wants to test the ground will face the full capacity of the security agencies in the state, who are prepared to deal ruthlessly with these enemies of the state.
“Regarding chieftaincy affairs, the matter has been addressed by the executive arm of the government. Anyone who disagrees with the decision should approach the court. We stand by the law and will enforce the existing law,” the police chief said, assuring adequate security at the State Assembly.
Reporters covering the assembly have been asked to stay away until the lawmakers return.
“We were informed that Lawan Hussaini, the lawmaker representing Dala Local Government Area who sponsored the bill to scrap the emirates, has gone into hiding amidst backlash.
“Other lawmakers from the scrapped emirates under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) are avoiding their constituencies out of fear of attack,” said a source at the Assembly who requested anonymity for fear of victimization.
However, the Assembly’s spokesperson, Kamaludden Shawai, stated on Monday that the absence of the lawmakers is unrelated to the bomb scare. He said the security issues raised by the police have been addressed and that the lawmakers will soon resume plenary sessions.
Mr. Shawai explained that the assembly has not resumed because many of the lawmakers are currently in Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
