Title: Nigeria’s democratic anarchy: Federal Government’s intrusion in Kano State affairs amidst Emirate crisis
By ABUBAKAR DANGASKE
In a worrisome trend, Nigeria’s federal government, under President Tinubu’s administration, is brazenly encroaching on the powers of Kano State government, exacerbating the ongoing Kano Emirate crisis. This blatant disregard for constitutional boundaries threatens the very fabric of Nigeria’s federalism and democratic governance.
The Kano Emirate crisis, sparked by the controversial balkanization of the Emirate by Governor Ganduje, has been a long-standing issue. However, the federal government’s recent interventions have only served to complicate matters, undermining the principles of state autonomy and democratic decision-making.
The brazen abuse of power by the federal government in a manner it uses security agencies to undermine the authority of state government is akin to reverting Nigeria to unitary system under the military regime. It’s actions deprecate democratic norms and separation of powers as contained in the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The use of the military and Department of State Service personnel against civic responsibility of the state government is an affront to democracy and a rape to the legitimacy of the government of Abba Kabir Yusuf. While security challenges thrive in almost the entire northwest geopolitical zone but the federal refused deploy security personnel to address the ever widening asymmetric quagmire bedevilling the innocent citizens being killed, kidnapped but instead wastes these personnel in protecting a dethroned Emir and undemocratic institution that is moribund.
This sheer disregard to the security of lives of Nigerians and their economic well-being depicts the highest form of irresponsibility. When democracy is turned into autocracy, then it’s deemed to be overthrown by a civilian juntas.
The federal government’s intrusion into the internal affairs of Kano State government is a clear violation of the constitutional separation of powers, which defines the roles and responsibilities of both federal and state governments. By meddling in Kano State’s affairs, the federal government is setting a dangerous precedent, eroding the autonomy of states and undermining the democratic process.
This trend has far-reaching implications, threatening the stability of Nigeria’s federal system and the rule of law. It also raises questions about the federal government’s intentions, prompting concerns about political motivations and potential abuses of power.
The people of Kano State, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve better. They deserve a government that respects the Constitution, upholds democratic principles, and prioritizes the welfare of citizens over political expediency.
I urge the federal government to respect the autonomy of Kano State and refrain from further interference in its affairs. We also call on the Kano State government to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation in resolving the Emirate crisis, ensuring a peaceful and durable solution that reflects the will of the people.
Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford to succumb to anarchy and authoritarianism. We must stand firm against executive overreach and defend the principles of federalism, democracy, and the rule of law.
Lastly, the judiciary should be seen to be performing it’s responsibilities with the expected diligence, neutrality and
Impartiality as a bastion against anarchy. Judiciary must be seen to be truly independent for democracy to nurture under the track of sustainability.
Abubakar Dangaske is s social and political analyst that writes from Kano.
