Mai Tangale Tussle: Gombe Govt Imposes 24 hours curfew
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Gombe State Government on Friday, imposed 24 hours curfew, due to the continued blockade of Yola/ Gombe highway which has stalled movement in Billiri LGA of the state, over the paramount ruler stool, Mai Tangale.
Women in their hundreds had mounted checks at various points due to what they considered deliberate delay tactics of the Inuwa Yahaya led administration to announce his preferred choice to the mai Tangale stool, different from the candidate with the highest vote.
Speaking to our correspondent on the protest a resident of the area, Benjamin Dangoma, said “Due to the demise of our late King, Late Abdu Buba-Maisheru, as it is under the customary law, the Kingmakers of this Kingdom has the responsibility to choose for their people who will be the next Mai (King), subject to confirmation of the governor.
“The Kingmakers have sat down and voted, where 5 out of 9 voted for Dr Musa Idris Maiyamba, 2 voted for Ahmad Magaji and another 2 voted for Mr Danladi. So you see the Tangale people have spoken through their Kingmakers.
“One wonders why is the delay? We heard that the governor has his own preferred candidate other than the one elected by the Kingmakers.
“So we are protesting to call the attention of the governor to please allow the will of the people prevail for the sake peace to reign. We are peace people and all we want is peace.”
Confirming the decision of Government to enforce curfew in a press briefing, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, said the curfew is government’s last resort to finding peace in the area.
While assuring of the state government’s commitment to tackling the brewing security challenge, Njodi said peace will not not sacrificed for anything.
Njodi said, “Following the current eruption of violence in Billiri Town, which has degenerated into a security threat to
both lives and property, Gombe State Government has imposed 24 hours curfew within Billiri Local Government
Area with effect from 6:00pm today, 19 February, 2021.
“The Government affirmed the need for peacetul co-existence among the citizenry and commitment to the protection of lives and properties. Consequently the Government has suspended all forms of gatherings in Billiri Local Government.
“All security agencies are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive. All citizens are
expected to comply with the directive except those personnel providing essential services”
Earlier, Gombe state commissioner of Police, Shehu Maikudi had called on the protesters to embrace peace.
He said, “The command has emplaced measures in and around Billiri town to restore sanity and order, also advices the general public most especially the people to shield their sword and embrace the part of peace. The state government is making far reaching consultation with relevant stakeholders on who becomes the Mai Tangale and in due time the pronouncement will be made.
“Meanwhile efforts are geared towards maintenance of law and order. All we are trying to say is that we should give peace a chance. Everybody should endeavour to come to the dialogue table to see how this matter can be resolved because it is a very simple matter the Mai Tangale stool is not as if they are bringing an Igbo man or a Yoruba man to be a Mai Tangale is someone from the locality, someone from the particular family. I agree with the scores that one had 5 and one has 2 but the prerogative is for the governor to make his selection.”
I don’t see any matter that needs table discussion. Is the governor more knowledgeable about the culture of the Tangale people or the king makers who choose one with 5 votes? If the government is for the people then the people voice should be heard. The delay ignite all these.