WASE: THERE IS ADVANCED TENSION IN BASHAR. GOV. MUTFWANG SHOULD KINDLY WITHDRAW THE SUSPENSION OF THE REKNA OF BASHAR---BACODA

By: Amb. Valentine Adese (JP),

Bashar Communities’ Development Association (BACODA) in Wase Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, has called on the Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Mutfwang to rescind and withdraw the decision to suspend the Rena of Bashar, HRH. Alhaji Abudullahi Idris Isa, citing “Advanced Tension” in the area.

The Communities, while addressing the press at the NUJ Press Center today said, the decision of the State Government is causing disunity among the people of Bashar.

Alh. Abudullahi Idris Isa, and Alh. Shehu

The Spokesman of the Communities, Alhaji Inusa Ali, who addressed the press in part said, “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”.

Adding that, “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”.

While expressing shock concerning the action of Government, the Communities attached the following to the press briefing text to prove their position:

THE COMMUNITIES' REPS

1.      A letter from the Ministry of Local Government And Chieftaincy Affairs, with REF: MLGCA/S/MET/7/VOL.II/XXX, dated 30^th December, 2022, Titled: RE: FORWARDING OF REPORT ON THE SELECTION OF A NEW REKNA BASHAR ON SECOND CLASS STATUS HELD AT BASHAR TRADITIONAL COUNCIL’S CHAMBERS ON THE 2RD DECEMBER, 2022, addressed to the immediate past Governor of the State, Sen. Simon Bako Lalong, with a list approved of members of the Committee.

2.           A Plateau State of Nigeria Gazette, dated 15^th August 1991. No. 17, Vol 1G.

3.       The Chiefs (Appointment And Deposition) Law (Cap.20) which contains, the (Appointment And Deposition of Chiefs (Appointment of Rekna Bashar Order 1991).

4.      A detailed list of attendance of the selection Committee with the Ruling House and Kingmakers of Rekna Stool dated 25/11/22.

5.      The Voting pattern and those who voted, among others.

Explaining the attached documents, Alhaji Ali said, “It is necessary to put on record further that the appointment of the new Rekna was approved by the Governor only upon the receipt of the recommendation of the report, dated 29^th December 2022, from the Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, HRH. Da Jacob Gyang Buba.

“The recommendation in clear terms attested to the fact that the selection of the new Rekna was done in accordance with the provisions of Plateau state Legal Notice No. 11 of 1991.

“We have handy a detailed report justifying the process, recommendations, appointment, installation and ascension to the throne of the Rekna of Bashar, which processes were carried out since, 2022”.  

ALH. ALI

Stating their shock over the suspension of the Rekna from office, the Communities in their press text stated that, “From the aforesaid, any review process is clearly rendered unnecessary, with clear reference to the existing report and the established actions of Government.

“However, to our greatest surprise, and disbelieve, we have received information that the Rekna was instructed to step aside pending the finalization of the committee’s findings. How this decision became necessary is a subject of speculation amongst out local populace. Thus, enhancing tension and obvious misgivings.

“While we acknowledge the robust governance frameworks in place within our state, we are compelled to voice our serious reservations about the instruction for Rekna to step aside pending the conclusion of an investigation committee examining complaints relating to his 2022 selection, especially, considering that his selection adhered to all statutory requirements and received the Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs’ recommendation”. 

ALH. ALI AND ALH. SHEHU

However, adding his voice to the position of the Communities, Alhaji Shehu S. Nyalun, who sat close to Alhaji Ali said, “The Communities have the confidence that the Governor of Plateau State would adhere to our prayers. We have been to the Local Government Commission and all stakeholders have been directed to state their positions on the matter. This press briefing is the second step to make the world know what is happening”.