The Bauchi state government has suspended Yakubu Aliyu, the emir of Lame, over allegations of unlawful collection of levies, interference in land administration and meddling in mining operations.
Mukhtar Gidado, special adviser on media and publicity to
the governor, in a statement on Saturday, said the suspension takes immediate
effect.
He said the state government has set up a 12-man
administrative panel of inquiry to probe the allegations, noting that the
emir’s suspension would remain in force pending the conclusion of their
investigation.
Gidado said the government received multiple formal
petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and
security agencies concerning the emir’s alleged conduct.
He said the complaints had generated tension in the emirate,
raising concerns about public peace, security and peaceful coexistence.
“The allegations against the Emir include unlawful
interference in land administration, unauthorised collection of levies, undue
interference in the operations of mining companies, and other alleged acts of
misconduct,” he said.
He said the state government initially summoned the emir for
fair-hearing, but his explanation wasn’t satisfactory, necessitating an
independent investigation.
He, however, noted that “the allegations remain subject to
investigation and that the Emir shall be afforded the opportunity to respond to
all allegations against him in accordance with the principles of natural
justice and due process”.
According to the statement, the panel is chaired by Sani
Mohammed, retired deputy inspector-general of police; Musa Yankari, a retired
director of Department of State Services (DSS); and representatives of the
police, DSS and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Gidado said panel has been given three weeks to submit its
findings and recommendations to the state government.
“The suspension is a precautionary administrative measure
intended to safeguard the integrity of the investigation, prevent possible
interference with witnesses and official Emirate records, and reduce tensions
within the community,” he said.
The government directed the emir to remain within the
emirate during the suspension unless granted permission by the appropriate
authority.
It also instructed him not to interfere in the
administrative, traditional or other official affairs of the emirate council.
In the meantime, Bala Abubakar, a senior councillor of the
Lame Emirate Council, has been directed to oversee the day-to-day
administration of the emirate in an interim capacity.
The government said the arrangement was intended to ensure
continuity in the emirate’s administration while the investigation lasted.
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