Kano, Nigeria – June 3, 2024
The scheduled hearing at the Federal High Court regarding the ongoing Kano Emirate dispute has been postponed due to the nationwide strike led by organized labor groups, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The strike, which demands an increase in the minimum wage and the reversal of the recent hike in electricity tariffs, has significantly disrupted activities across the country, including the judiciary.
The hearing, presided over by Justice Abdullahi Liman, was set to address the contentious issues surrounding the Kano Emirate Council (Repeal) Law. This law, recently passed by the Kano State House of Assembly and signed by Governor Abba Yusuf, has sparked considerable debate and legal challenges.
In light of the strike, the Federal High Court has issued instructions to the State Police, the Commissioner of Police in Kano, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) to refrain from enforcing the new law until the court can convene and make a ruling on the matter.
The nationwide strike, which has already caused widespread power outages and disrupted essential services, has now impacted the judiciary’s ability to function. As previously reported, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed that the national grid was intentionally disabled by the electricity workers union, leading to a blackout across the country. Additionally, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and healthcare workers have joined the strike, further exacerbating the situation.
The delay in the hearing of the Kano Emirate dispute is a significant development, as it prolongs the uncertainty surrounding the governance and structure of the emirate. The court’s intervention is seen as crucial in resolving the legal complexities of the law’s repeal and the implications for the traditional institution in Kano.
As the strike continues, the government faces mounting pressure to address the demands of the labor unions and find a resolution to the various disruptions affecting the nation. The judiciary, along with other sectors, is awaiting the outcome of these negotiations to resume normal operations.
The public and stakeholders involved in the Kano Emirate dispute are urged to stay informed about further developments and the rescheduling of the court hearing. The government’s response in the coming days will be pivotal in determining the resolution of both the labor strike and the emirate dispute.
