Photo/TWITTER/ GOVERNORINUWA
Gombe State Government has assured Tangale indigenes of fairness in the process that will produce another Mai (traditional ruler) for the kingdom, and pledged not to interfere.
The Mai of the kingdom died last month after undisclosed illness. Some restive youths, however, took to the streets during the week, protesting the alleged imposition of another monarch considered unpopular on the kingdom.
Consequently, the state government swiftly moved in to pacify stakeholders, with the assurance that it would not interfere in the process that will usher in new monarch.
Yesterday, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Ibrahim Njodi, said the state was making far-reaching consultations with relevant stakeholders on who becomes the next Mai Tangale among the top three contenders presented by the kingmakers.
Njodi gave the assurance while addressing newsmen shortly after a stakeholders’ meeting at the deputy governor’s office.
He said: “The journey to the throne of Mai Tangale began when about 23 persons expressed interest in the position, but through screening and some other important considerations in the selection process, the number was trimmed to 18 and eventually three candidates.
“Those three candidates secured votes from the kingmakers to emerge and are now equal in the eyes of the law, irrespective of the number of votes scored.” The names of the top three contestants, according to him, have since been forwarded to the governor.
“Number of votes by kingmakers is not the determinant of who becomes an emir or chief; their votes only determine who makes the top nominees recommended to the governor and nothing else.”
“You all know that the 2020 laws of Gombe State as amended gives the governor the prerogative to select one from the top three candidates,” he added.
Governor Muhammad Yahaya had on January 25, 2021 assented to the State Chieftaincy Law 2020. The relevant provision of the law as to the appointment of an emir or chief is that the council of traditional kingmakers of an emirate or chiefdom shall nominate to the governor three candidates for the vacant stool from among eligible members of the royal family.
The governor, after due deliberation, will then choose one of the candidates for appointment as an emir or chief. The SSG described the Mai Tangale stool as important one that needs careful consultation and background checks to arrive at who sits on it.
“Any sentiment or distrust in the process is uncalled for, because the three names submitted to the governor are bona fide sons, and all of them belong to the same lineage,” he added.
While appealing for calm, Njodi said government could only function and meet the yearnings of the people in an atmosphere of peace.
