A group christened “Concerned Stakeholders of Bashar Chiefdom” in the Wase local government area of Plateau State has kicked against the choice and installation of Alhaji Abdullahi Idris as the new Rekna of Bashar.
Addressing newsmen in Jos, Plateau State, on Monday, the spokesman of the group, Mallam Shehu Mujahid Abubakar, frowned at the processes that led to the emergence of Idris as the traditional ruler, adding that it did not follow the Plateau State chieftaincy laws.
He explained that the former government ignored the people’s protestation on the choice of a new monarch to the committee on complaints arising from the creation or upgrade of chiefdoms, districts, and village areas in Plateau State, which they alleged was manipulated by the former chairman of the local government.
According to him, the government was then accused of bypassing protocol by inviting the kingmakers to his office, intimidating them, and putting pressure on them to endorse his choice.
“Moreover, the people said that the new monarch is not from the ruling house and was nominated even though he’s still in the employment of the federal government, which is against the law.
“We, the Concerned Stakeholders, are calling this press conference today following the injustice and irregularities melted out to the people of Bashar chiefdom during the selection process for the new Rekna of Bashar in Wase Local Government Area. This process resulted in the selection and installation of the incumbent traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Alh Abdullahi Idris, as the new Rekna.
“In September 2022, the Rekna of Bashar position became vacant. Following tradition, a new Rekna should have been chosen from the ruling family through a proper selection process involving the kingmakers.
“Government Oversight Committee: The Plateau State Government, under the leadership of Governor Simon Bako Lalong, established a committee to oversee the selection process according to established rules and regulations.
“The committee visited Bashar town on November 26, 2022, to brief the kingmakers on the selection process.
On December 2, 2022, the state government scheduled the official selection date. However, the then-chairman of Wase Local Government Council, Dr. Ado Abubakar Buba, bypassed protocol by inviting the kingmakers to his office and holding meetings with some of them under pressure. This action contradicts the Plateau State Chieftaincy Laws. A copy of the invitation letter is attached.
“Due to the chairman’s interference, the selection process was postponed from December 2 to December 13, 2022.
“Four out of five kingmakers were abducted on December 16, 2022, by the former chairman and his associates, presumably to influence the selection outcome, further disrupting the process.
“Dual Employment of the New Rekna: We have reason to believe that the incumbent Rekna, Alh. Abdullahi Idris, is still employed by the federal government while holding the position of Rekna. This violates the rules, as an individual cannot hold two government positions at the same time.
The spokesman called on the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the review committee to, as a matter of urgency, investigate these complaints arising from the irregularities that occurred during the selection process for equity, justice, and fairness to the people of Bashar Chiefdom, which was the local government area, and Plateau State in general.
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