The Tangale Community in Overseas has joined the home counterpart, calling on Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State to immediately announce the new Mai Angle, Dr. Musa Idris Mai Yamba, being the choice of the people.
A statement issued by its General Secretary, Lamela Ijmanu Lakorok and made available to AFRICA PRIME NEWS,
argued that It would tantamount to betrayal of confidence and respect of the people, to accept appointment to the throne by anyone other, than the Tangale people.
The Community said it would benefit the Government to do the right thing and allow the people to choose their Mai according to their tradition.
The community advised the Governor not to misappropriate or twisting the State Chieftaincy law but endorse the election and subsequent recommendation of the king makers .
Twisting the law, it emphasised, is an assault on the sovereignty of the Tangale people and therefore called on the State lawmakers and the judiciary to uphold and interpret the law and allow its full implementation in the current setting.
The community in the Diaspora also
enjoined traditional rulers, community development associations, State and Federal representatives as well as other well-meaning Nigerians to stand by the people who have spoken loud and clear through the king makers .
While advising the people to exercise patience and not to engage in any act that could be counterproductive, the community reminded the government that a stitch in time saves nine.
Here under is the full text of the Press Statement;-
Members of the press, Tangale traditional council, and the people of Nigeria, it is with sadness of heart that we speak about the aftermath of the recent election of the new Mai Tangle. Three days have elapsed since the election by the kingmakers, but the governor has remained silent about his responsibility to announce the decision of the people. This is a cause for concern for the Tangale people. Therefore, we the people of Tangale Community Overseas wish to make the following observations regarding the situation.
That the “Gombe State Chieftaincy Law 2021 “is either misunderstood or misappropriated. The Law, Part
VI, num 20 (1) says, “Upon the death, resignation, removal or deposition of an Emir or a Chief the Governor shall apppve the appointment of an Emir or a Chief on the recommendation of the
Council of Traditional Kingmakers of the Emirate or Chiefdom. (2) The Governor may consult the State Council of Emirs and Chiefs on the appointment of an Emir or a Chief.” It affirms the democratic principle of governance, whose main tenet is the majority rule. When through electioneering, the majority chooses a leader, the choice stands. In the case of the Mai Tanglé election, Dr. Musa Idris Mai Yamba received more votes than the two other candidates combined. That is total victory. The voice of the people through their traditional rulers and kingmakers is loud and clear. Secondly, throughout history, monarchy has never been the prerogative of elected officials. The idea that a governor of a given state can decide for a tribe who should be their leader, ignoring their traditions and customs, is laughable were it not so absurd.
Twisting the Law is an assault on the sovereignty of the Tangale people. Therefore, we call on the Gombe state legislators and the judiciary to uphold and interpret the written law and allow its full implementation in the current setting.
That the Governor of Gombe state, his excellency, Alh Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya immediately announce the choice of the people, Dr. Musa Idris Mai Yamba as the new Mai Tangle as indicated in the election returns. The Governor is subservient to and must follow the law. It would beneflt his leadership to do the right thing and allow the Tangale people to choose their Mai according to their tradition.
Considering his recent Keynote Address at the Unveiling of the Development Agenda for Gombe State (DEVAGOM 2021-2030) given on Tuesday 16th February 2021, we call on the governor to pursue the ways and means that align with his vision of peace and prosperity.
That the other candidates, who are recognized as legitimate candidates, should do the honorable thing, and follow the traditional norms by congratulating the winner of the election. It would be against custom and etiquette for either of them to accept an appointment to the throne of Tangale by anyone other than the Tangale people. That would be tantamount to betrayal of confidence and respect of the people they purport to love. The loyalty of the people is earned through the process in play for years. Any person forced upon the Tangale people as Mai will be correctly perceived as a puppet of outsiders and will never earn the respect and loyalty of the Tangale people. It would be wise to leave a legacy of respect for your children who may well ascend the throne of Tangale in the future.
That the people of Tangale exercise patience as we all await the announcement from the governor. We do not encourage any behavior or actions that will be counterproductive to the cause of peace in Tangale land. Any protest that is violent will only hurt the Tangale people.
However, we also appeal to our traditional rulers, the Tangale Community Development Association, local, state, and federal elected officials, and the Tangale people to stand behind the decision of the kingmakers and recognize the new Mai Tangle as our traditional ruler.
This is a matter of our identity, our heritage, and our memories. Future generations will read about this moment in the history of the Tangale people, make it worthwhile.
Finally, we ask that our neighboring tribes and friends pay attention to our situation because their own sovereignty and traditions are at stake. We invite you to stand with us and speak up in support of the traditional institutions under attack.
”A titch in time saves nine” Thank you very much. Read on behalf of the Tangale Community Overseas
Signed: Lamela Ijmaru Lakorok
General Secretary, Tangale Community Overseas
