The Kano State Government has warned traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the public against taking actions that could amount to unlawful disobedience of government directives, following a circulating video in which the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, expressed views on the recent restrictions on Durbar activities and the ongoing Kano Emirship legal proceedings.
The warning was contained in a statement issued by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Justice and Constitutional Matters, Aminu Hussaini, Esq which was sent to GLOBAL TRACKER in Kano on Tuesday.
The statement said while citizens were entitled to express opinions on matters of public interest, the interpretation, clarification and enforcement of court orders remained matters for the courts.
According to the statement, an individual’s interpretation of a subsisting judicial order could not, by itself, provide legal authority to disregard a directive issued by a competent public authority.
The government advised anyone who believed that a government directive was inconsistent with a court order to seek judicial clarification or other appropriate legal remedies rather than publicly declare an intention to disregard the directive or encourage others to do so.
The statement comes against the backdrop of ongoing judicial proceedings concerning the Kano Emirship and recent government restrictions affecting Durbar activities.
The government urged all traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, political actors and members of the public to exercise restraint while the legal proceedings continue.
It stressed that the pending court proceedings should be allowed to run their course without being prejudged or used as a basis for confrontation between citizens and constituted authorities.
“Legitimate disagreement may be expressed; legal grievances should be pursued through the courts and lawful directives remain binding unless and until set aside, suspended or otherwise varied by a competent authority,” the statement said.
Govt Reaffirms Commitment To Rule Of Law
The Kano Government reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, constitutional rights, judicial independence and peaceful resolution of disputes.
It maintained that disagreements concerning government directives or judicial proceedings should be addressed through established legal channels rather than through confrontation or public mobilisation.
The government further warned against attempts to mobilise people to disobey what it described as lawful directives, obstruct constituted authorities or disturb public peace.
“Kano State Government will not permit any individual or group to turn a legitimate dispute into a challenge to public order,” the statement said.
It added that any attempt to encourage defiance of lawful directives or disturb public peace would be addressed in accordance with applicable laws.
The government’s position places emphasis on allowing the courts to determine the legal issues arising from the Emirship dispute while urging traditional and community authorities to avoid actions or statements that could escalate tensions.