Members of the Kano State House of Assembly have failed to agree on the passage of the new Emirate Council Bill 2019, which was sent by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to restore the four first-class emirates that were dissolved by a Kano high court.

KANO FOCUS reports that the lawmakers on Wednesday spent almost three hours in a secret session debating the bill but failed to reach an agreement.

It could be recalled that Kano state government had approved a fresh bill to restore the four emirates in Bichi, Ran0, Karaye and Gaya, after they were nullified by a Kano high court.

The court, presided over by Justice Usman Na’abba had on November 21, 2019 ruled that the Kano State House of Assembly did not follow due process in passing the law that established the four emirates.

Sources in the legislature told our correspondent that some of the members were not happy with how the matter is being handled.

It was learnt that a number of lawmakers wanted the bill to follow the standard procedure of passage which includes conducted a public hearing contrary to the previous bill which was swiftly passed without any public input.

The sources also explained that some of the members expressed concern over the “vast powers” Mr Ganduje reportedly arrogated to himself in the bill, including the right to appoint kingmakers and creation of budgetary allocations for the emirates.

Another issue that is said to have divided the lawmakers is a section in the bill that seeks to prohibit emirs from issuing advice to government unless the governor sought the advice.

This issue it was learnt, is being interpreted as an attempt to deny the emirs their freedom of expression, which is a constitutional right.

The House has adjourned the meeting till tomorrow Thursday to continue debating on the issue.