Nigerian governor dethrones emir, gives reason for decision
- Governor Bello Matawalle has imposed punitive measures on officials accused of supporting bandits
- Zamfara state has recorded several attacks from daring bandits
- The state government alleged that politicians are backing the criminal gangs
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The Zamfara state governor, Bello Matawalle, has dethroned the Emir of Maru, Abubakar Chika, for allegedly giving support to bandits.
Leadership reported that the governor also removed the district head of Kanoma, Lawal Ahmed for the same alleged offence.
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The apex northern group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has applauded the governor over the bold step taken against the supporters of bandits.
This Day reported that the spokesman of the forum, Emmanuel Yawe, said the action of the governor was appropriate.
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According to Yawe, the emir and the district head had been on suspension since June 2020 and were under investigation.
He said they were found guilty following the complaints from their subjects that they were collaborating with bandits and kidnappers.
The group said:
“We of the ACF congratulate the Zamfara State government led by Bello Mutawale for these bold steps.”
“The Almighty Allah who does not sleep will protect him. Nothing will happen to him.''
Meanwhile, following the release of the abducted Jangebe schoolgirls, Abdullah Shinkafi, a chieftain of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), said that bandits were offered N57 million not to release the students.
According to Channels TV, Shinkafi who made the allegation during a press briefing on Monday, March 8, claims that the offer was made by some politicians in Zamfara state.
He explained that the offer was a tactic to wreck Governor Bello Matawalle's peace accord, rubbish his efforts, and take-over power in 2023.
In other news, the Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello, has opposed any idea of negotiating with bandits.
The Nation reported that the governor told Channels Television that anybody carrying guns against the state should be considered as a criminal and should be dealt with decisively.
Bello said there is a difference between banditry and the agitation in the Nigeria Delta.
Kess Ewubare is a senior political/current affairs correspondent at Legit.ng. He has both a BSc and a Master’s degree in mass communication. He has over 10 years of experience in working in several fields of mass communication including radio, TV, newspaper, and online. For Kess, journalism is more than a career, it is a beautiful way of life.
Source: Legit.ng
