By Sunday Elijah
Gombe state government in northeast Nigeria has imposed 24-hours curfew in Billiri Local Government Area (LGA) following eruption of crisis. It has also banned all forms of gatherings in the LGA.
A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, says the action is to forestall destruction of lives and property resulting from protests in the LGA headquarters.
Wednesday, people of Tangale chiefdom embarked on peaceful protest following state government’s delay in the announcement of their new paramount ruler (Mai Tangle), three days after election, accusing Governor Inuwa Yahaya of working to announce another candidate other than the winner, Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba.
Various groups including Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Middle Belt Forum, Tangale Community Development Association (TCDA), Tangale Intelligentsia Movement, as well as Tangale Community Overseas (TCO), have separately called on the governor to announce Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba, who won the election, having secured five out of nine votes of the Kingmakers, defeating the two other contestants that recorded two votes each.
The Tangale Intelligentsia Movement in an open letter to the governor wondered the delay saying it was not difficult to figure out the winner of the election.
“Sir, there were nine (9) kingmakers in total that voted. 5/9 (55.55%) voted for Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba, 2/9 (22.22%) went for Mr. Ahmed Magaji and another 2/9 (22.22%) went for Mr. Danladi M.
“Sir, the above results are clear indication of the people’s position, and since the King is not going to be administering over a territory other than the Tangale Kingdom, then the handwriting is legible enough as to who they desire to have as their ruler,” the letter said.
Quoting the law governing the selection of Emirs and Chiefs, Secretary of Tangale Community Overseas, Mr. Lamela Umaru Lakorok, noted that, “The law in part VI number 20(1) says, upon the death, resignation, removal or deposition of an Emir or a Chief, the Governor shall approve the appointment of an Emir or a Chief on the recommendation of the council of traditional kingmakers of the Emirate or Chiefdom”.
“The Governor may consult the State Council of Emirs and Chiefs on the appointment of an Emir or Chief”.
The statement said, “Twisting the Law is an assault on the sovereignty of the Tangale people. We therefore 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”.
They also advised the two other contestants to follow the traditional norms by congratulating the winner of the election.
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the governor to act on time by announcing the choice of the people.
The Association noted with concern that the situation had forced the peace-loving people of Tangale Nation to streets, causing tension and fear which might degenerate.
CAN also called on churches in the State to fast and pray for 3 days beginning this Friday, to seek the face of God and His intervention over the situation in Tangale chiefdom.
Justics must be done if not it will bring on something else