Toyyibat Qasim
The Bauchi State Government has suspended the Emir of Lame, Yakubu Aliyu, over allegations of unlawful collection of levies, interference in land administration and meddling in the operations of mining companies.
The suspension, which takes immediate effect, will remain in force pending the conclusion of an investigation into the allegations, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado.
The government also constituted a 12-member administrative panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations and recommend appropriate action.
Gidado said the government received several formal petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies over the emir’s alleged conduct.
He explained that the complaints had reportedly heightened tension within the emirate, raising concerns about public peace, security and peaceful coexistence.
According to the statement, the allegations against Aliyu include unauthorised interference in land administration, illegal collection of levies, interference in mining operations and other acts of alleged misconduct.
The government said it had earlier summoned the traditional ruler to respond to the allegations, but his explanation was considered unsatisfactory, prompting the decision to establish an independent panel to investigate the matter.
It, however, stressed that the allegations had not been established, assuring that the suspended emir would be given an opportunity to defend himself in line with the principles of natural justice and due process.
The panel is chaired by a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sani Mohammed, while its members include a retired Director of the Department of State Services, Musa Yankari, alongside representatives of the police, DSS and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The committee has been given three weeks to submit its findings and recommendations to the state government.
Explaining the reason for the suspension, Gidado said the measure was necessary to protect the integrity of the investigation, prevent possible interference with witnesses and official records of the emirate, and ease tensions in the community.
As part of the conditions attached to the suspension, the government directed Aliyu to remain within the emirate unless he obtained permission from the appropriate authorities.
He was also barred from interfering in the administrative, traditional or other official affairs of the Emirate Council throughout the period of the investigation.
Meanwhile, a senior councillor of the Lame Emirate Council, Bala Abubakar, has been directed to take charge of the day-to-day administration of the emirate in an interim capacity.
The state government said the arrangement was aimed at ensuring uninterrupted administration of the emirate while the panel carries out its assignment.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine the next course of action by the state government regarding the suspended traditional ruler.
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