Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has suspended the Emir of Lame in Toro Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame, over allegations of misconduct and constituted a 12-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the allegations.
The decision was approved by Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed following the receipt of several formal petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies over alleged abuse of office and arbitrary exercise of authority by the traditional ruler.
A statement issued on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, said the allegations included unlawful interference in land administration, unauthorised collection of levies, undue interference in the operations of mining companies and other conduct considered inconsistent with the responsibilities of a traditional ruler.
According to the statement, the alleged actions had reportedly generated tension within the Lame Emirate, raising concerns about public peace, security and peaceful coexistence in the area.
The government explained that the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had earlier requested explanations from the Emir concerning the allegations.
Although the traditional ruler submitted written responses, the government said it considered the explanations unsatisfactory, necessitating an independent administrative investigation to establish the facts.
The 12-member panel, chaired by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Sani Mohammed, is expected to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, examine relevant petitions and documents, invite concerned parties and give the Emir an opportunity to defend himself.
Other members include retired Director of the Department of State Services, Musa Mohammed Yankari, as well as representatives of the Police, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Natural Resources Development.
Representatives of Toro Local Government Area, the Local Government Service Commission and officials of the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs are also members of the panel.
The committee has been given three weeks to submit its findings and recommendations to the state government.
In addition to the suspension, the government directed the Emir to remain within the Lame Emirate throughout the period, except with express authorisation from the appropriate authority.
He was also directed not to interfere in the administrative, traditional or other official activities of the Lame Emirate Council pending the conclusion of the investigation.
To ensure uninterrupted administration of the traditional institution, the Senior Councillor of the Lame Emirate Council, Alhaji Bala Abubakar Gumau, the Galadiman Lame, has been appointed to oversee the day-to-day affairs of the Emirate in an interim capacity.
The government said the suspension was a precautionary administrative measure aimed at protecting the integrity of the investigation, preventing possible interference with witnesses and official records, and reducing tension within the community.
It, however, stressed that the allegations against the Emir remained subject to investigation and that he would be given a fair opportunity to respond in accordance with the principles of natural justice and due process.
The government said the measures were taken in the overriding interest of peace, public order and good governance, in exercise of powers conferred on the governor by the Bauchi State Chieftaincy (Appointment and Deposition) Law 2026.
It urged residents of Lame Emirate, Toro Local Government Area, traditional titleholders, youths, community leaders and other stakeholders to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while cooperating with security agencies and the panel throughout the investigation.
The statement reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to preserving the dignity, integrity and accountability of the traditional institution across Bauchi State.
(NAN)
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