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Zazzau Prince Sues El Rufai, others over unconstitutional appointment of Bamali as Emir
By Modupe Shodeinde
Zazzau Prince, Alhaji Bashir Aminu, has taken the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, to court over the appointment of Ahmed Bamalli as the new Emir of Zazzau.
Aminu argues that this appointment contravenes Chiefs (Appointment and Depositions) Law Cap 21 of 1991.
Others joined as defendants in the suit filed at the Kaduna State High Court are Attorney-General of Kaduna State; Kastina State Council OG Chiefs; Zazzau Emirate Council; Wazirin Zazzau, Ibrahim Aminu; Fagachin Zazzau, Umaru Muhammad; Mohammad Abbas, Makama Karamin Zazzau; Dalhatu Kasimu Imam, Limamin Juma’an Zazzau; Mohammad Sani Aliyu, Limamin Konan Zazzau and Emir Nuhu Bamalli.
Aminu who holds the title of Iyan Zazzau, was ranked first in an initial shortlist submitted to Governor el-Rufai by the five kingmakers of the emirate.
“Having scored the highest number of lawful votes cast by the kingmakers and thus selected by the said kingmakers, I have acquired a vested right to the stool of the Emir of Zazzau from the date of his selection henceforth.” he said
According to him, the governor on October 1 dissolved the list earlier submitted by the kingmakers, stating that they were not fair to other contenders and insisted all aspirants should be given the chance to contest.
Aminu in his petition, asked the court to declare the appointment as illegal and unconstitutional.
The lawsuit sought, “A declaration that the plaintiff is still the Emir of Zazzau and is entitled to all rights and privillages pertaining thereto.
“An order setting aside the purported appointment of the 10th defendant (Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli) as the Emir of Zazzau;
“An injunction restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants from acting in the installation of the 10th defendant to the throne of the Emir of Zazzau or presenting to the 10th defendant with the staff of office until the final determination of this suit.
“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants either by themselves, agents, privies, servants or through any person or persons howsoever from treating, presenting or dealing with or installing the 10th defendant as the Emir of Zazzau.
“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the 10th defendant from parading, presenting or styling himself as the Emir of Zazzau or from putting on or wearing any paraphernalia or insignia of the Emir of Zazzau.
“An order of perpetual injuction restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants from dealing with, treating, presenting, or dealing with installing the 10th defendant as the Emir of Zazzau or handing over to him the staff of office of the Emir of Zazzau.”
