By Ademola Adeshina
Human rights activist, Femi Falana SAN, has faulted the dethronement and banishment of Muhammadu Sanusi as Emir of Kano by the State Government, describing it as ‘illegal and alien’ to the law and constitution of Nigeria.
Falana, who said this, on Tuesday, in an interview on Arise Television Morning Show programme, added that the former CBN governor’s right to liberty and locomotion were violated.
Sanusi was unanimously deposed on Monday by the Kano State Government led by Governor Umar Ganduje, who immediately announced a replacement for the former Governor of the Central Bank while he was banished and quickly whisked away.
According to Falana, “We are operating in an atmosphere of official impunity. As far as the law is concern, the emir was removed without due process, as if that was not enough, his right to liberty, his right to locomotion has been violated.
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“And now, he has been banished contrary to some wishes. He has also been restricted to locals in Nasarawa State.
“Without pretending to give the emir a fair hearing, he announced his removal. That is alien to our law and constitution.
“And very specific, it’s specifically clearly in the constitution that nobody shall be punished for an offense that is not defined by the law.
“So, the Kano State Government has not pointed to any section of the law that the Emir (Sanusi) was alleged to have committed or violated.
“Again, as I said, even if he has breached the law, or committed an offense, the law will require that he will be allowed to react. And that is what the provision of the constitution section 36, fair hearing is all about.
“What happened yesterday was a charade… The Emir was not allowed to defend himself.
“The Emir was caught unawares. If you are going to fight the ruling class, you have to be ready. You should have an endearing relationship with the people you are fighting for.”
