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.
Plateau State government had ordered the suspension of the traditional ruler following protests 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), say the suspension is illegal, as his selection had been conducted and concluded since 2022.
Addressing newsmen at the NUJ Press Centre on Friday, Chairman, BACODA, Dr. Zakari Muhammed, described the suspension as strange, as Isa is the highest traditional ruler in Bashar Chiefdom.
They stated that the press conference was “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.
“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 that the names of the nominees, list of attendance of kingmakers, ballots casted for the candidates, recommendation of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs amongst others.
“For the avoidance of doubt and for record purposes, no participant had challenged the selection in any Court of Law since 2022.
“It is apparent from the report 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.
“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 29th December, 2022, from the Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, HRM 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 by the Rekna of Bashar, which processes were carried out since 2022.
“You will also recall that this review process only started and subsequently gathered momentum thereafter sometimes on the 8th day of July 2024 when a faceless group named Concerned Stakeholders of Bashar Chiefdom held a press conference calling on Government to review the selection concluded since 2022.
“As laughable at it seemed at first, a counter press conference was also held on the 10th of July, 2024 to correct the inaccuracies, misrepresentations or falsehood peddled by the said press conference for the purpose of setting the records straight for the present and the future.
“In the same vein, an interview was further granted on Monday, the 30th of September 2024, following the submission of memo to the committee recently constituted by the State Government to look into the issues of complaints related to the selection of the Rekna of Bashar at the Ministry for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs.
“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 finalisation of the committee’s findings.”
The community said the action of the state government has created tension among the people and called on the state government to rescind its decision.
“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.
