The former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and chairman of the House Committee on Air Force, Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, has criticized the Kano State Government’s decision to dissolve the Rano Emirate.
Kabiru Rurum, a member representing Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Federal Constituency, made his stance clear during the commissioning of the Nigerian Airforce Girls’ Boarding Secondary School in Rano yesterday, Sunday.
Hon. Rurum, who holds the traditional title of Turakin Rano, was elected under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) after defecting from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023. He expressed strong opposition to the dissolution, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of the Rano Emirate.
“I want to assure every citizen of Kano South that I strongly oppose the dissolution of our emirate,” Rurum declared. “I stand firmly with our first-class Rano Emirate, and no one can demote us to a second-class status. This is the position bestowed upon us by God.”
He further highlighted the deep-rooted heritage of the people of Rano, saying, “We are the descendants of Autan Bawo, with a rich history in Hausaland. We understand the value and honor that God has granted us as the people of Rano.”
The dissolution of the emirate follows a recent bill passed by the Kano State House of Assembly, which officially dissolved all five emirate councils created by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in the state.
This legislative move, which took place during a plenary session in July, also established new second-class emirate councils in Rano, Gaya, and Karaye, each overseeing specific local government areas.
Prior to the dissolution, the Rano Emirate comprised ten local governments: Rano, Kibiya, Bunkure, Kura, Tudun Wada, Doguwa, Sumaila, Takai, Garun Malam, and Bebeji.
Under the new law, the jurisdiction of the second-class emirates will be limited to their respective local government areas, signaling a restructuring of traditional institutions.