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| NBA Criticizes Soldiers' Involvement in Kano Emirate Dispute |
The Nigerian Bar Association's Kano division has criticized the deployment of Nigerian soldiers in the dispute following the annulment of the Kano Emirate Council Law 2019 and the dismissal of several emirs.
Sagir Gezawa, the chairperson of the branch, expressed in a release that the association, as a collective of legal professionals, is gravely concerned about the recent events.
"The constitutional responsibility of a State Assembly includes legislation, and upon passage, it is the Governor's prerogative to grant approval to such a Law.
"Once sanctioned by the Governor, it becomes Law and its execution is to be carried out by state mechanisms and enforced by an authorized court of law.
"It is also the courts' responsibility to ensure such Law aligns with other prevailing laws or the Constitution.
"In this process, we encourage our members to responsibly seek courts of competent authority.
"A court's decree is inviolable and must be adhered to. This principle, 'upholding the rule of law,' is our association's guiding motto.
"Nevertheless, it should be recognized that the court possesses its own means of enforcing its orders, and it is beyond the Nigerian Army's authority to utilize troops to execute a court's order. This echoes the era of military rule and is deserving of censure.
"Any individual found in violation of a court's order, which is declaratory by nature, must be proven to have been informed of the said order through the issuance of Form 48 and, if necessary, Form 49, which informs the individual of the repercussions of their conduct. This procedure is consistent with the Sheriff and Civil Processes Act and the Laws of the various States regarding the enforcement of court judgments.
"Utilizing security forces without the involvement of the Deputy Sheriff's Department of the issuing court may seem like taking matters into one's own hands, which is equally reprehensible.
Consequently, as an association, we urge all governmental participants and security agencies to honor their official commitments and understand the limits of their roles, so as not to discredit our legal system.
"They should also be aware that their actions could compromise the stability and peace of Kano State, for which they will be held accountable, in this existence or beyond," the statement concluded.
