Plateau stakeholders raises alarm over traditional stool saga, seeks Governor Mutfwang intervention

Daniel Dauda, Jos

A group known as concerned stakeholders of Bashar Chiefdom in Wase local government area of Plateau have raised alarm over the selection of Alhaji Abdullahi Idris as new ‘Rekna of Bashar’, calling on Governor Caleb Mutfwang to intervene.

The stakeholders alleged that the selection process which saw the emergence of current incumbent Rekna, Alh. Abdullahi Idris was characterized by irregularities masterminded by the former local government chairman of Wase, Dr. Ado Abubakar Buba.

They said Buba bypassed protocol as he invited the kingmakers to his office and held meetings with some of them under pressure, noting that ” this action contradicts the Plateau state chieftaincy laws.”

Daily Champion Newspaper reports that, Governor Caleb Mutfwang have since constituted a committee on complaints arising from the creation/upgrade of chiefdoms, districts, and village areas in Plateau state.

Spokesman of the group, Shehu Abubakar while addressing newsmen Monday at NUJ Secretariat Jos the state capital, acknowledged the selection process was not done in accordance with established rules and regulations.

“In September, 2022, the Rekna of Bashar stool became vacant. Following tradition, a new Rekna should have been  chosen from the ruling family through a proper selection process involving the kingmakers.

“Due to Buba interference, the selection process was postponed from December 2 to December 13th, 2022. Four out of five kingmakers were abducted on 16th December, 2022, by the former chairman and his associates, presumably to influence the selection outcome.

” Despite the abduction, a selection process was held on December 23th, 2022. This selection violated our right to a fair hearing because the kingmakers were not present. Additionally, the former chairman unlawfully participated in the process, exerting undue political influence.

“A formal complaint outlining these irregularities was submitted to the former governor, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong. However, due to his alleged political affiliation with the former chairman and the preferred candidate, the complaint was ignored.”

The spokesman also revealed that the incumbent Rekna, Alhaji Abubakar Idris, is still under the employment of the Federal Government while holding the position of Rekna.” This violate the rules, as an individual cannot hold two government positions at the same time.

“We call on Governor Caleb Mutfwang,  commissioner ministry for local government and chieftaincy affairs and the review committee to as a matter of urgency investigate these complaints arising from the irregularities that occurred during the selection process for equity, justice and fairness to the people of Bashar Chiefdom, Wase LGA and Plateau state in general”, he concluded.