- Set to challenge his banishment in court
The government of Kaduna State has appointed the deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, into the board of KADIPA, an investment promotion outfit.
Sanusi made headlines on Monday with his dethronement by the Kano State government over allegations of impropriety.
A statement on Tuesday said that Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State approved Sanusi’s appointment into the board.
The statement read: “Malam Nasir el-Rufai has appointed His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II into the board of KADIPA. The appointment is part of the reconstitution of the board of KADIPA, which is statutorily chaired by the Deputy Governor and has as internal members senior officials of the Kaduna State government.”
Governor el-Rufai said that Kaduna State hopes to benefit from the profile, experience, intellect and networks of His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi, who before becoming Emir, had built a solid reputation in global financial circles.
According to the governor, “Kaduna State is honoured to be able to call on the services of a man of such calibre to drive its development.”
The governor also said that he is confident that the new board, which includes the most senior officers of the State, will further propel KADIPA to greater success in attracting investments to Kaduna State. He disclosed that the external members have been carefully chosen to further reinforce the investment credentials of the state.
“The new board of KADIPA has the following members:
1.
Her Excellency, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe Chairman
2. His Highness,
Muhammadu Sanusi II Vice-Chairman
3. Balarabe Abbas
Lawal, Secretary to the State Government
4. Bariatu Y.
Mohammed, Head of Service
5. Jimi Lawal, Senior
Adviser-Counsellor
6. Aisha Dikko,
Attorney-General of Kaduna State
7. Idris Nyam,
Commissioner, Business, Innovation & Technology
8. Fausat Ibikunle,
Commissioner, Housing & Urban Development
9. Thomas Gyang,
Commissioner, Planning & Budget Commission
10. Farida Dankaka,
KACCIMA
11. Amal Hassan,
Private Sector
12. Hafiz Bayero, MD,
Kaduna Markets Development Company
13. Altine Jibrin,
Director-General, KADGIS
14. Umma Aboki,
Executive Secretary, KADIPA
Meanwhile, the former emir has reportedly briefed his lawyers to challenge his dethronement in court.
On his behalf already, a strong legal team led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. A. B Muhmud, has reportedly served the Police, the entire security agents and the Attorney General of the Federation an ultimatum to immediately release Sanusi from custody, and allow him reunite with his family.
Muhmud said they have since received instructions from Sanusi, through his Chief of Staff, to challenge the legality of his detention and banishment.
Muhmud said: “We are of the firm view that this action is illegal and unconstitutional. Section 35 of our constitution guarantees every citizen the right to personal liberty, and the basis for the denial of personal liberty are set out clearly in this section of the constitution and none applies to the case of the Emir Sanusi,” he added.
Muhmud argued that the archaic practice of banishment of deposed emirs, a colonial practice has no basis under Nigerian law or the constitution.
“We are totally perplexed at the resort to this practice in the present day Nigeria by its political leaders, this is because the illegality of this practice was pronounced by the Nigeria Court of Appeal in Attorney General Kebbi State Vs HRH Alhaji All Mustapha Jakolo and others 2013 LPELR 22349/CA where the Court pronounced it as illegal and unconstitutional and gross violation of the right of the Emir.
“Therefore, we call on the authorities and in particular, Inspector General of Police, Director General DSS and Attorney General to ensure immediate release of HH Muhammadu Sanusi II so that he can be reunited with his families.
“We are concerned about his personal safety and security. All well meaning Nigerians and International Community should bring their influence to bear in this case to ensure he is released.
“The legal teams of HH Muhammadu Sanusi II are working both in Kano and Abuja and unless he is released immediately, we will take appropriate legal action,” they warned.