Just two years after his installation as Rekna Bashar, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris, faced suspension from his role as the traditional ruler of Bashar Chiefdom in Wase local government area. The Plateau State government called for Idris to step aside while it investigates the circumstances surrounding his selection and installation in 2022.
This decision has drawn significant backlash, with many condemning the action as a potential catalyst for unrest within the chiefdom. Stakeholders from the Wase Emirate and the kingmakers of Bashar Chiefdom have publicly criticised the suspension, asserting that Idris’s selection adhered to established procedures. Concerns are mounting about the implications of this move for the community’s stability and governance.
Background On Rekna Bashar’s Suspension: A Question Of Legitimacy, Procedure
The seat of Rekna Bashar, a second-class traditional ruler, became vacant after the passing of Alhaji Adamu Idris in September 2022. Following his death, the Plateau State government initiated the process to appoint a successor, in accordance with Gazette 17, Vol 16 Notice 11 of the 1991 Appointment and Deposition Order.
On December 23, 2022, Abdullahi Idris Isa, the brother of the late traditional ruler, was selected by the college of selectors, continuing the legacy of the Argando Ruling House. His election received official approval from the Plateau State government after a recommendation from the state council of chiefs, which confirmed that the selection adhered to legal guidelines and was conducted peacefully.
Idris was ceremonially installed as the new Rekna Bashar and presented with the staff of office during an elaborate event on the same day. However, the recent suspension has raised questions about the legitimacy of his appointment and the procedures followed, stirring unrest within the chiefdom.
Controversy Surrounds Rekna Bashar’s Suspension Amid Allegations Of Impropriety
Nearly two years after his appointment, Rekna Bashar, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris, faces scrutiny as some disgruntled contestants have petitioned the state government, claiming that his selection did not adhere to proper procedures. In response, the Plateau State government emphasised that the directive to suspend Idris is intended to facilitate a thorough investigation.
However, stakeholders from the Wase Emirate and the kingmakers of Bashar Chiefdom have continued to argue that his selection followed all established protocols, asserting that there is no justification for the suspension. They have publicly expressed their support for the Rekna of Bashar.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, spokesman Zakari Muhammed reaffirmed the legitimacy of Idris’s ascension to the throne. He stated that Idris’s selection aligns with the customs of Bashar, highlighting that the monarch hails from the ruling house and was chosen through an appropriate selection process conducted by the kingmakers.
BACODA Condemns Suspension Of Rekna Bashar, Urges For Reversal
A representative of Bashir Chiefdom Development Association, BACODA, who preferred anonymity, no legal challenges to the selection process have been raised by any of the kingmakers since Abdullahi’s emergence,” a representative pointed out.
Similarly, the Bashar Chiefdom Development Association (BACODA) has strongly criticised the Plateau State government’s decision to suspend its traditional ruler, calling on Governor Caleb Mutfwang to reverse the action.
BACODA described the suspension as perplexing, given that the selection process leading to the traditional ruler’s emergence was thoroughly conducted and completed in 2022. They labeled the directive as a “dangerous and disturbing new precedent and unfortunate trend,” emphasising that it has fueled speculation among the local populace and increased tensions within the community.
BACODA emphasised that the suspended traditional ruler was rightfully elected to the throne by the kingmakers in 2022, following the passing of Alhaji Adamu Idris, the late Rekna of Bashar, on September 24, 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 process, which has been conducted since 2022.
“The report clearly showed the nominees’ names, list of kingmakers’ attendance, ballots cast for the candidates, and recommendation of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs, amongst others. For the avoidance of doubt and for record purposes, no participant has 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 further asserted that Alhaji Idris’s selection adhered to all statutory requirements and received the endorsement of Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs. They argued that there is no justifiable reason for him to be asked to step aside.
“We strongly urge His Excellency Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to uphold justice in this matter, honor his oath to protect his people without bias, and resist allowing any sentiments to sway his official decisions.
“We call for respect for the dignity of our cherished Bashar traditions in all official matters,” BACODA emphasized.
In contrast, a group known as Concerned Stakeholders in Bashar Chiefdom warned that the community could face serious unrest if immediate actions are not taken to address perceived injustices. They claimed that Alhaji Abdullahi Idris was improperly imposed on the community.
Led by Shehu Mujahid, the group alleged that the selection process was flawed, arguing that the suspended Rekna Bashar was not from the royal family. “When the Rekna of Bashar position became vacant in September 2022, tradition dictated that a new Rekna be chosen from the ruling family through a proper selection involving the kingmakers,” Mujahid stated.
He explained that the Plateau State Government, under former Governor Simon Lalong, had established a committee to oversee the selection process according to established regulations, but alleged interference from the then Local Government Chairman, Ado Abubakar Buba, disrupted the procedure.
Mujahid claimed that Buba bypassed protocol by inviting kingmakers to his office for pressured meetings, which he argued violated Plateau State Chieftaincy Laws. He also alleged that the selection date was moved from December 2 to December 13, 2022, and that the process was further compromised by the kidnapping of four out of five kingmakers, presumably to influence the outcome.
“We also believe that the incumbent Rekna, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris, is still employed by the federal government, holding dual positions, which contravenes established rules,” Mujahid added.
Meanwhile, widespread concerns have emerged that the suspension may be part of a larger agenda to politicize the issues surrounding the selection of the chief for the Bashar District.
Many residents maintain that the process leading to the selection of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Isa, following the death of Alhaji Adamu Idris in September 2022, was thorough and completed according to established procedures.
As the suspension of HRH Alhaji Abubakar Idris continues to provoke debate, the state government has been urged to ensure justice to prevent any threats to peace within the community and the state at large.