Kano State Government has cautioned traditional rulers, political actors, religious and community leaders against making statements or taking actions that could encourage disobedience of lawful directives or threaten public peace.
The warning was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Justice and Constitutional Matters, Aminu Hussaini, in response to a circulating video involving Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, Sarkin Dawaki Babba.
In the video, the traditional ruler reportedly expressed views on the recent restrictions on Durbar activities and offered his interpretation of ongoing judicial proceedings concerning the Kano Emirship.
The Special Adviser said that while citizens have the right to express opinions on matters of public interest, the interpretation, clarification and enforcement of court orders remain matters for the courts.
He stressed that an individual’s interpretation of a subsisting judicial order could not confer legal authority to disregard a directive issued by a competent public authority.
According to him, anyone who believes that a government directive conflicts with a court order should seek judicial clarification or other appropriate legal remedies rather than declare an intention to disobey the directive or encourage others to do so.
The statement urged all parties to allow the pending judicial proceedings to run their course without prejudging the outcome or using them as a basis for confrontation between citizens and constituted authorities.
The government further called on traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, political actors and members of the public to exercise restraint and avoid statements or actions capable of encouraging unlawful disobedience, confrontation or disturbance of public peace.
“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.
The Office of the Special Adviser reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the rule of law, constitutional rights, judicial independence and peaceful resolution of disputes.
It warned that the government would not allow any individual or group to turn a legitimate dispute into a challenge to public order.
The statement added that any attempt to mobilize people to defy lawful directives, obstruct lawful authority or disturb the peace would be dealt with promptly and in accordance with the law.
