Sanusi’s dethronement and banishment is illegal – Femi Falana

Human right activist, Femi Falana has stated that the dethronement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano and subsequent banishment is illegal. 

Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Tuesday March 10, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said the emir was dethroned without being given any opportunity to defend himself.

Falana said; 

“The dethronement, the Banishment and restriction of movement and detention are all clearly illegal.

“In the first place, the governor held an Executive Council meeting presided over by him and within a space of five minutes, the emir had been accused of executing disrespect to constituted authority, meaning the governor and in the meeting presided over by the governor where he was the accuser, the prosecutor and the witness. 

“As if such violation of his freedom and right to fair hearing was not enough, the governor was alleged to have ordered his arrest and banishment to his village in Nasarawa State. 

“You do not impeach a governor and decide to detain him somewhere. He has the right to move freely, he has the right to exercise all his powers”.

On if Sanusi has the legal grounds to challenge the dethronement, Falana replied by saying “for sure”.