The Patriotic Volunteers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have declared that Alhaji Usman Alhaji remains the Waziri of Gaya Emirate, challenging the reported withdrawal of his traditional title by the second-class Emir of Gaya.
Alhaji Usman, who served as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) under the immediate past administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was conferred the Waziri title during the era when Gaya held first-class emirate status.
The title preceded the dissolution of Gaya, Rano, Karaye, and Bichi emirates by the Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf-led government, which demoted them to second-class status through legislative action.
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In a statement issued on Wednesday by the group’s National Secretary, Ibrahim Dan Azumi Gwarzo, the APC Patriotic Volunteers expressed surprise at the news of Alhaji Usman’s title being revoked.
They argued that the ongoing legal dispute over the emirates and their leadership should restrain any such action until the Supreme Court delivers its final judgment.
“It becomes expedient for us to respond, for the benefit of our dear friends, associates, relations and well-wishers, and to satisfy the curious press,” the statement read.
The group stressed that stripping Alhaji Usman of the Waziri title requires due process, including a formal warning, an opportunity for defence, and a valid reason based on misconduct.
“We can’t understand why the Emir of Gaya singled out Alhaji Usman Alhaji,” Gwarzo said, adding, “We give glory to Allah that Alhaji Usman served with distinction as Waziri when the emirate was first-class. He will continue to be addressed as Waziri of Gaya, even after his death.”
The group concluded that they await the Supreme Court’s final ruling on the matter.