In a landmark ruling, the Court of Appeal has reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano, overturning a controversial decision by the Federal High Court in Kano that had nullified his appointment.

Justice Gabriel Omoniyi Kolawole, delivering the judgment, declared that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over matters rooted in chieftaincy disputes governed by Kano State Emirate Council Law, deeming its earlier ruling invalid.

The appellate court’s decision not only restores the status of Emir Sanusi II but also raises questions about judicial overreach and procedural adherence in Nigeria’s legal system.

A Tussle Rooted in Tradition and Politics

The emirship tussle dates back to 2014, when Muhammadu Sanusi II, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was appointed as the Emir of Kano after the death of his predecessor, Ado Bayero. His ascension was met with mixed reactions, including significant political opposition. Known for his vocal criticism of government policies, Sanusi became a polarizing figure during his reign, drawing both admiration and criticism.

In March 2020, under the administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Sanusi was controversially dethroned and exiled to Nasarawa State on allegations of insubordination. This act was widely perceived as politically motivated, further deepening the division within the Kano Emirate.

However, following the defeat of the APC government in Kano, the governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), reinstated Sanusi. The current case began when Aminu Baba-Dan’Agundi, a former member of the Kano Emirate Council, challenged Sanusi’s initial appointment, citing procedural irregularities and alleged violations of the Kano State Emirate Council Law.

In May 2024, Justice S. A. Amobeda of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano issued an order for the eviction of the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, from the Emir’s Palace.

The court also directed the police to ensure that all rights and privileges due to the 15th Fulani Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, are upheld.

Appeal Court’s Landmark Ruling

The Court of Appeal’s decision hinged on Section 251 of the Nigerian Constitution, which limits the jurisdiction of Federal High Courts in chieftaincy matters to those within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Justice Kolawole emphasized that the Federal High Court had no authority to entertain the case, as it involved state law.

Drawing parallels with the Supreme Court decision in Tukur v. Governor of Gongola State, the appellate court reinforced that the lower court erred in treating a chieftaincy dispute as a fundamental rights case.

Justice Kolawole ruled: “The trial court was wrong to have held that the case in Tukur is not similar to the 1st Respondent’s case. Appeal is hereby allowed.”

The judgment also invalidated the Federal High Court’s order to maintain the status quo, declaring it issued without jurisdiction.

Calls for Accountability

The judgment has sparked outrage against the Federal High Court judge who nullified Emir Sanusi II’s appointment. Prominent voices have called for disciplinary action by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, was particularly vocal, writing:

“Congratulations to my dear friend and brother, His Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, for this judgment. The Federal High Court has no business dabbling into chieftaincy matters outside of the FCT, and the erring judge ought to be disciplined by the NJC for the intentionally erroneous and disgraceful judgment.”

This sentiment echoes broader concerns over judicial accountability, with legal experts arguing that decisions perceived as politically motivated or procedurally flawed undermine public trust in the judiciary.

As the dust settles, attention shifts to the NJC and its potential response to the calls for disciplinary action, which may set a precedent for judicial accountability in Nigeria.

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Key points about the strategy:

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The Landmark Group, a prominent name in leisure and tourism, has partnered with the Rivers State Government to transform the once-vibrant Port Harcourt Tourist Beach into a world-class hospitality and tourism destination.

This ambitious redevelopment marks a new chapter for the company, following its controversial challenges in Lagos earlier this year.

In a statement by Elsie Ogianyo, Brand and Corporate Communications Manager for Landmark Group, the company expressed its commitment to creating a premier destination that would restore the legacy of the Port Harcourt waterfront. The announcement came shortly after CEO Paul Onwuanibe disclosed the group’s plans to expand its footprint into two additional African countries and three Nigerian states while relocating its headquarters from Lagos.

“The Landmark Group has secured waterfront land in Port Harcourt, in partnership with the Rivers State Government, to undertake the redevelopment of the once-popular Port Harcourt Tourist Beach into a world-class leisure, hospitality, and tourism destination,” the statement read.

Onwuanibe conveyed the company’s excitement for the project, emphasizing its aim to combine international expertise with local knowledge to create unparalleled leisure experiences.

“This initiative is about more than just reviving a historic resort. It is about building a lasting legacy that showcases the best of Rivers State, drives socio-economic growth, and establishes the resort as a must-visit destination in Africa,” he said.

Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Israel Lebura Ngbuelo, lauded the initiative, expressing optimism that it would position the state as a leading tourism hub in Africa.

A New Dawn for Port Harcourt Amid Legacy of Lagos Demolition

The redevelopment of Port Harcourt Tourist Beach represents a fresh start for the Landmark Group after the loss of its flagship Landmark Beach Resort in Lagos. In April 2024, the beach was demolished to make way for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project.

The demolition, which resulted in an estimated $80 million loss for the company, left many stakeholders questioning the government’s decision-making process, particularly its failure to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prior to the project’s approval.

Onwuanibe criticized the federal government’s handling of the project, noting that the route of the Coastal Road was changed multiple times, with the final decision to cut through the resort coming as a surprise. Despite promises, Landmark Beach Resort said it received no compensation for the demolition, even as other affected properties were reportedly reimbursed.

For Lagos, the loss of Landmark Beach Resort is seen as a significant blow. The beach had become a major draw for both local and international tourists, contributing over N10 billion in taxes annually, according to Onwuanibe. Its removal has left a gaping hole in the state’s tourism offerings and raised concerns among investors about the stability and predictability of government projects.

The uncertain fate of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project further compounds the issue. Critics argue that the federal government lacks the resources and commitment to complete the road within a decade, leaving Lagos with a substantial loss and little to show for it. This has led many to view the demolition as not only shortsighted but also a deterrent to future investors who may fear similar disruptions to their ventures.

Reviving Port Harcourt’s Tourism Potential

Against this backdrop, the redevelopment of the Port Harcourt Tourist Beach takes on even greater significance. Work on the site is set to commence in the first quarter of 2025, with the first phase expected to be completed by the end of the year. The project is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Rivers State, including job creation, the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and an enhanced local supply chain.

Landmark Group envisions the Port Harcourt Leisure Resort as the first of several iconic destinations it plans to develop across West Africa, with half of these projects located in Nigeria. The company hopes to promote intra-Africa tourism and highlight the region’s untapped tourism potential by creating a network of world-class leisure destinations.

While the partnership between Landmark Group and the Rivers State Government is being celebrated as a step toward revitalizing Port Harcourt’s tourism industry, it also raises questions about whether the government will learn from the mistakes made in Lagos. All eyes, especially of investors, are watching to see if the redevelopment achieves its ambitious goals without undue interference.