Plateau Community Faults Suspension Of Traditional Ruler

Bashar Chiefdom Development Association (BACODA) has faulted the Plateau State government’s decision to suspend its traditional ruler, Rekna Bashar, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Isa, even as it urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to rescind the directive.

The state government had directed the traditional ruler to step aside pending an investigation and a review of his selection.

Addressing a press conference, BACODA said the state government’s directive was strange considering the fact that the process that culminated in the emergence of the traditional ruler was conducted and concluded since 2022.

The group described the directive as a “dangerous and disturbing new precedent and unfortunate trend” adding that the government’s decision “is a subject of speculation amongst our local populace thus enhancing tension and obvious misgivings”

BACODA insisted that the suspended traditional ruler was elected to the throne by the kingmakers in 2022 “following the death of Alhaji Adamu Idris, the late Rekna of Bashar on the 24th day of September, 2022.

“ We have handy, a complete detailed report of the selection process showing clearly that all the stakeholders involved in the selection of the Rekna of Bashar duly participated in the said process which was conducted since 2022. The process was also captured on video and submitted to government since 2022.

“The report clearly showed the names of the nominees, list of attendance of kingmakers, ballots casted for the candidates, recommendation of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs amongst others. For the avoidance of doubt and for record purposes no participant had challenged the selection in any Court of Law since 2022.

“It is apparent from the report that there was absolute compliance with the necessary provisions of the law regulating the selection of the Rekna of Bashar in 2022” BACODA noted.

BACODA said since the selection of Alhaji Idris adhered to all statutory requirements and received the recommendation of the chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, there is no justifiable basis for asking him to step aside.

“The current decision has not only advanced tension, disunity, and distrust but has generated a substantial leadership gap within our chiefdom, coinciding with a period when resolute leadership is desperately needed.

“ As we are all cognizant, our chiefdom has faced an uptick or resurgence in banditry and insecurity, which demands steadfast direction and leadership to safeguard the well-being and stability of the entire people of the chiefdom” BACODA added.