By Joseph Edegbo
The Tangale Community in Billiri Local government area of Gombe State has said it will maintain its stance not to allow any One to usurp the role of kingmakers in whatever guise to subvert justice in the selection of the community’s traditional ruler.
In a message to mark the Yuletide and made available to newsmen by the General Secretary, Tangale Community Oversea, Lamela Umaru Lakorok said they were not surprised about the recent Court’s verdict over the Mai Tangle stool.
According to the statement, there is no distinction between the legislature, judiciary, and executive in Gombe state as the Legislators who made the “so-called” Gombe state chieftaincy law have not come out once to clarify the intent of the law even after they saw the governor abused it concerning the Mai Tangle stool.
“They crafted the law that says the governor is to approve the appointment of an Emir or Chief on the recommendation of the council of traditional kingmakers of the emirate or chiefdom (see GSCL VI.20.1). Yet, when the Tangale traditional kingmakers made the selection, the governor ignored it and imposed a puppet, instead. “The fact that no member of the legislative assembly has made a motion to clarify the law, given the crisis it has caused in Tangale land, makes us wonder if the legislature is a rubberstamp or conspiring with the governor.
“We thank the Judge for acknowledging the credibility of our case, but we encourage the judiciary to communicate and challenge the legislature to provide clarity in the said law.
“Nevertheless, our resolve remains to appeal the case until justice comes to the Tangale nation. We maintain our stance that we will not let anyone usurp the role of our kingmakers either by bribery or by force.
“We will never recognize Mallam Danladi as Mai Tangle and will dissociate with any so-called Tangale person who derides our customs and tradition in this regard”, the statement reaffirmed.
Titled “Trust But Verify” the statement disclosed that very soon, the community will have the opportunity to speak loudly and clearly to all politicians.
“We are aware of the complex nature of politics. We will not dictate how anyone should vote in the coming elections or party affiliations. “It is good that we can have the freedom to follow our political dreams. However, we caution everyone to think beyond the here and now and think of the community and the future of Tangale. “In a democracy, even as frail as we have, the elected officials must hear the people’s voice. If you do not participate in the electoral process, you cannot complain or blame those who do. May you use reason and critical thinking when you choose leaders.
The statement decried the recent unprovoked attack on the unsuspecting people of Amtawalam and Pobawure saying the wanton destruction of human life, property, and livestock theft, have become commonplace in our beloved country.
We decried the lawlessness in Nigeria, whereby Fulani invaders have a free ride over native farmers all over the country.
“While we do not blame anyone for inciting the crimes, we hold the government accountable for the citizenry’s security. Gov. Inuwa Yahaya has spoken about the security situation as well as he could and publicly acknowledged that the State is incapable of fighting the Fulani marauders, who seem invincible. “Nevertheless, we appeal to the Gombe state government to support local communities in developing and training local vigilante to provide community security.
“We also call on all communities beyond the Tangale nation to wake up and protect their property and lives, the statement concludes.