Gov Sani restores traditional ruler sacked by El-Rufai

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has reinstated His Royal Highness Jonathan Zamuna as the Chief of Piraga in Lere Local Government Area.

This decision reverses the removal executed by the previous administration of Nasir El-Rufai on May 22, 2023, based on recommendations from the Ministry of Local Government Affairs and in accordance with Section 11 of the Traditional Institutions Law No. 21 of 2021.

Dissatisfied with his removal, the royal father sought justice through the courts, which ruled in his favour on June 10, 2024. Governor Sani, emphasizing his commitment to the rule of law, announced at the state council’s Chiefs meeting held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Thursday that the state government would fully comply with the court’s judgment, thereby restoring Chief Jonathan Zamuna to his ancestral stool.

The governor posited that leadership remains the cornerstone for effectively addressing all of the challenges confronting Nigeria today, saying “That necessarily includes your leadership, because you are closest to the people. You are part of the force which can turn our society around for good.

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“Therefore, I commend you most warmly, our royal fathers, for standing strong as agents of a positive moral revolution and helping to spread the values of honour, dignity and humanity. I appeal to you to continue to position our local communities as building blocks for a resilient and progressive nation.

He also said, “let me reiterate that our relationship will continue to remain cordial. If any matters are to arise surrounding the traditional institution in Kaduna State, be assured that the rule of law will be followed completely with respect and dignity. We shall continue to operate in the spirit of collaboration, unity and democracy.

“Traditional Institutions has remained a stabilizing force in our communities and in the state as a whole. The Traditional Institution has shown resilience in the face of modernity. Because of your closeness to the people, it is in the interest of governments at all levels to treat you with respect and work closely with you to deepen participation in governance and secure our communities.

Gov Sani also told the traditional rulers that, “We have made considerable progress with our plans in the siting of a Brigade in the Southern Kaduna general area. Similarly, we are working on having more military presence in frontline areas across Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Kajuru, Kachia, Kagarko and Chikun LGAs.

“We are stabilizing and changing the tide in Zangon Kataf, Kaura and Igabi LGAs. We are working assiduously to secure Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Kajuru and fringes of Kauru and closely attending to threats in Kubau, Soba, Lere, Kudan, Makari and Ikara corridors on our border with Katsina, Kano, Bauchi and Plateau States.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE