The Bashar Communities’ Development Association (BACODA) in Wase Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State has rejected the suspension of its traditional ruler, the Rekna of Bashar, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Isa, by the state government. Addressing a press conference in Jos, the state capital, chairman of the association, Dr. Zakari Mohammed described the suspension of the monarch who was selected in 2022 as illegal.
Muhammed, who led other members of the association to press conference, said the action of the state government was strange and unacceptable to the community.
He added that the communities called the press conference express their concern.
“We are protesting against this dangerous and disturbing new precedence and unfortunate trend.”
The state government had ordered the suspension of the traditional ruler following an earlier protest by some concerned citizens of the community who faulted the selection process that produced the monarch after the death of his predecessor.
Mohammed however, insisted that there was nothing wrong with the selection process,m.
He said, “We have 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 exercise, which was conducted since 2022.
“The process was also captured on video and submitted to the government in 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, among 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, 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.
“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 then Executive Governor on February 23, 2023”.
The BACODA chairman said he was taken aback to hear that the monarch had been suspended by the state government.
He called on the government to rescind its suspension in the interest of justice.
The communities called on Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to ensure justice is done in the matter.
“We urge that the dignity attached to our long-cherished tradition of Bashar people be respected in all official decisions”, Mohammed said.
