In this piece, LEADERSHIP Sunday reports how the Plateau State government’s suspension of Rekna Bashar, HRH Alhaji Abubakar Idris, is generating ripples.
Barely two years after Rekna Bashar, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris, was installed as the ruler of Bashar Chiefdom in Wase local government, the Plateau Slltate government recently suspended the traditional ruler.
The state government asked Idris to step aside pending an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his selection and installation, which was done in 2022.
Many have condemned the action, describing it as a move that could likely set the chiefdom up for crisis.
Some stakeholders from the Wase Emirate and kingmakers of Bashar Chiefdom have faulted the suspension of the traditional ruler, insisting that his selection followed all the laid down procedures.
It would be recalled that the stool of Rekna Bashar, a second class status traditional ruler became vacant following the demise of its occupant, Alhaji Adamu Idris in September 2022.
Findings revealed that in line with Gazette 17, Vol 16 Notice 11 of 1991 Appointment and Deposition (Appointment of Rekna Bashar) Order, 1991, the state government set up machinery in motion for the selection of a new ruler and the deceased traditional ruler’s brother, Abdullahi Idris Isa was selected by the college of selectors on 23rd December, 2022. Like his predecessor, the new chief is of the Argando Ruling House.
Idris’s election was approved by the Plateau state government based on a recommendation by the state council of chiefs which observed that the selection was done in accordance with the provisions of Plateau State Legal Notice and was peaceful.
The new Rekna of Bashar was installed and issued a staff of office at an elaborate ceremony on 23 December, 2022.
However, it was gathered that almost two years after, some aggrieved contestants petitioned the state government alleging that the process did not follow due process. The state government insisted the directive to suspend Idris was to give room for investigation.
But some stakeholders from the Wase Emirate and kingmakers of Bashar Chiefdom said since his selection followed all the laid down procedures, there was no basis for the suspension. They expressed support the Rekna of Bashar.
Speaking through their spokesman, Zakari Muhammed, the stakeholders affirmed the legitimacy of Idris’ ascension to the throne. Muhammed said that Idris’s selection as the Rekna of Bashar aligns with Bashar’s customs, adding that the monarch belongs to the ruling house and is chosen through a proper selection process by the kingmakers.
“Importantly, no legal challenges to the process have been raised by any of the kingmakers since Abdullahi’s emergence,” he said.
Similarly, the Bashar Chiefdom Development Association (BACODA) faulted the Plateau State government’s decision to suspend its traditional ruler and urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to reverse the suspension.
BACODA said the state government’s directive was strange considering that the process culminating in the emergence of the traditional ruler was conducted and concluded in 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 the 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 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 said that since Alhaji Idris’s selection adhered to all statutory requirements and received the recommendation of the chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, there is no justifiable basis for asking him to step aside.
“We therefore strongly request His Excellency Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to ensure justice in this matter, stand by the oath he took to protect his people without fear, favour or ill will, nor allow any sentiments or considerations to influence his official decisions.
“We urge that the dignity attached to our long-cherished tradition of Bashar people be respected in all official decisions”, BACODA noted.
However, another group, Concerned Stakeholders in Bashar Chiefdom, warned that the community could erupt into serious trouble if urgent actions are not taken to correct the injustices meted out. The group insisted that Alhaji Abdullahi Idris was imposed on the community.
The Group led by Shehu Mujahid claimed that the proper procedure was not followed as the suspended Rekna Bashar was not from the royal family.
“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.
“The Plateau State government, under the leadership of former Governor Simon Lalong, established a committee to oversee the selection process according to established rules and regulations, but the then Local Government Chairman, Ado Abubakar Buba, interfered with the process.”
He alleged that 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.”
Mujahid said the chairman’s interference led to the selection being shifted from December 2 to December 13, 2022. He alleged that the exercise was further marred by the kidnap of four out of the five kingmakers, presumably to influence the election outcome.
“We also have reason to believe that the incumbent Rekna, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris is still employed by the federal government and holds the position of Rekna. This violates the rules, as the stakeholders lamented that an individual cannot hold two government positions at the same time”.
However, there are widespread concerns that the suspension may be part of the grand plans to politicise the issues surrounding the selection of the chief for the people of Bashar District.
Some residents insisted that the process that led to the selection of the Rekna of Bashar, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Isa, following the demise of Alhaji Adamu Idris in September 2022, is a settled matter, having been concluded following all laid-down procedures.
As the suspension of HRH Alhaji Abubakar Idris continues to cause a stir, the state government has been enjoined to ensure justice so as to wad off any threat to peace in the community and the we state at large.
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