People of Bashar in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State have rejected the suspension of their traditional ruler, Rekna Of Bashar, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Isa, by the state government.
The Plateau State government had ordered the suspension of the traditional ruler following a protest by some concerned citizens of the kingdom who alleged anomalies in the selection process of the monarch following the death of his predecessor.
But the people through the Bashar Communities’ Development Association (BACODA), said that the suspension was illegal as his selection had been conducted and concluded since 2022.
Addressing newsmen at the NUJ Press Centre on Friday, the Chairman, BACODA, Dr. Zakari Muhammed, described the suspension as strange as Isa is the highest traditional ruler in Bashar Chiefdom.
They said that they organized the press conference “to demonstrate the weighty concern of our communities on this dangerous and disturbing new precedent and unfortunate trend.”
In the text of the press briefing, BACOBA said “You will recall that following the death of Alhaji Adamu Idris, the late Rekna of Bashar on the 24th day of September, 2022, a new Rekna of Bashar, in person of Alhaji Abdullahi Idris was selected by the kingmakers since 2022.
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“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 the Government since 2022. The report clearly showed the names of the nominees, list of attendance of kingmakers, ballots cast for the candidates, and recommendations of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs amongst others.
“For the avoidance of doubt and 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.
“Upon the completion and submission of the report of the selection by the five-man committee constituted by the state government who oversaw the selection process, Rt. Hon. Barrister Simon Bako Lalong, the former Executive Governor of Plateau State in the exercise of his powers appointed Alhaji Abdullahi Idris, as the new Rekna of Bashar.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Rekna of Bashar received his appointment letter on the 5th of January, 2023, and was installed and presented with the second-class staff of office by the Executive Governor on the 23rd February, 2023.
“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. May God take the lead in this matter.”