Lawyers Criticize Kano NBA Chairman Over Emirate Crisis Statement

• Kano lawyers reject Chairman Gezawa’s statement, emphasizing it represents his personal views, not the NBA’s, and urge him to avoid political involvement
• Lawyers support military actions to maintain law and order, countering Gezawa’s criticism and stressing he must represent the NBA’s collective views

A group of lawyers in Kano State, members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), have rejected a press statement by their chairman, Sagir Suleman Gezawa. The statement, issued on Monday, saw 28 lawyers warning Gezawa against dragging the NBA into political matters.

Their response, titled “Rejoinder to NBA Kano Branch Chairman (Sagir Suleiman Gezawa, esq) on the proper mode of enforcement of order of the court and a clarion call not to engage the NBA in partisan politics,” was clear. They insisted that Gezawa’s statement represented his personal views, not those of the NBA.

The lawyers expressed their concern, stating, “The statement from the chairman is his personal opinion, not that of the NBA members. He must stop dragging the NBA into politics.”

They were particularly upset that Gezawa implied the statement was issued collectively. They clarified, “We were never consulted. The chairman must represent the branch’s views, not his own.”

Gezawa had criticized the military for “enforcing a court order,” warning that their actions might jeopardize Kano State’s peace and security. He stated, “The Army should be careful, as their actions may breach peace and they will be held accountable.”

The dissenting lawyers countered this, supporting the military’s role. They said, “We see nothing wrong with the Army’s actions. They maintain law and order. The chairman risks peace and security by encouraging the government to disobey the court. He will be held accountable.”

The lawyers who signed the statement include Abdurrazaq A. Ahmad, Esq, Asma’u Sulaiman, Esq, Tahir Muhammad Bello, Esq, and several others. They stand firm against Gezawa’s solo political involvement and urge him to adhere to the NBA’s legal duties.