Kogi Gov, Yahaya Bello Dethrones 3 Traditional Rulers, Banishes Them
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has dethroned the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe, who doubles as Chairman, Lokoja/Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah Koto,
and banishes to Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.
Others who have been similarly Dethroned are the Olu Magongo of Magongo, Sam Bola Ojoa, and banished to Salka, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State, the Obobanyi of Emani, Samuel Adayi Onimisi, and banished to Doko, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Governor Yahaya Bello, who spoke in a broadcast after the executive council meeting held at Government House in Lokoja, announced the appointment of Alhaji Saidu Akawo Salihu as the new Ohimege Igu of Konton-Karfe and Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi the 4th as the new Megeri of Lokoja.
He also announced the appointment of Alhaji Dauda Isah, as the Maiyaki of Kupa.
The governor said that the actions were taken under the Traditional and Chieftaincy Laws, Rules and Regulations and all the due processes.
The statement reads as follows:
“His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah Koto, the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe, who is also the Chairman, Lokoja/ Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council is hereby removed and to be deposed to, Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.
”His Royal Highness, Sam Bola Ojoa, the Olu Magongo of Magongo is removed and to be deposed to Salka, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.
“His Royal Highness, Samuel Adayi Onimisi, the Obobanyi of Emani, is removed and to be deposed to Doko, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State.
“That Similarly, on decision No. 3, the title “OBOBANYI OF IHIMA” which reads on the promotion letter, upgrading the stool to first class status, was done without cognisance to the fact that the title; “Obobanyi of Ihima” is a subject of litigation and the court of law is yet to arrive at the possible final decision, as such, the Government have however received several petitions, calling attention to the need to revert and maintain status quo, until the court of law decides.
“To this end, the stool is hereby reverted to “OBOBANYI OF EMANI” as the present occupant remains deposed.
“His Royal Highness, Boniface Musa, the ONU-IFE in Omala Local Government is to be suspended, indefinitely.
On the following stools, after due intervention by the Government to resolve the lingering controversies that have characterised the selection process, the Government hereby, come up with the following appointments of the next occupants.
“Similarly, going by the selection decision of the Odaki ruling HOUSE, dated 27/4/2012 and endorsed by the Lokoja/Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council, dated 14/5/2012, Mallam Saidu Akawo Salihu is hereby appointed as the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe and to be turbaned immediately to avoid vacuum.
“Finally, going by the high court judgment of 1998, which give full recognition to Ododo as bonafide child of Ita’azi the father of Ebira land and Uhuodo as a distinct district in Ebira land with equal rights as others, therefore, the stool of Ohi of Uhuodo is hereby created and processes for the occupation of the stool to commence with immediate effect.
Governor Yahaya Bello dissolved his cabinet, reappointed some and also appointed new Caretaker Chairmen in various local government areas of the state.
Minister Wike, Is Zuba In Your Agenda? By Rashidat Yusuf
There has been this wide spread perception that Zuba is part of Niger State because of its overlapping nature with the State. But, in reality, it is part of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
However, it is one of the unfortunate parts of the FCT that still lacks any form of basic amenities to qualify it as being part and parcel of the capital city.
Zuba shares boundary with Niger State with the border town of Madalla. Madalla is populated mainly by workers of the FCT.
So too, Zuba houses the most prestigious rock in West Africa: “the Zuma rock.”
Those who live in Zuba have no reason to even tell their relatives back home that they are in Abuja. This is because there is nothing in Zuba to show any relationship with Federal Capital Territory.
Unlike Kwali Area Council that has Federal establishments, such as the National Mathematical Centre, and the Federal Government College, Zuba has none.
In the early days of the Capital Territory, the then zuba motor park was a beehive of activities. It served as the entry point for travellers from the South to Abuja.
A visit to the park now shows its a complete shadow of itself. Only yam sellers are there, with heaps of yam being sold at dozen price.
Else where in Zuba is fruit Market. On daily and weekly basis, fruits, including plantains are brought to Zuba from various parts of the country ..
Filt is the hallmark of Zuba: as you approach the town from the Abuja metro, you are greeted with refuse, loaded around the road corridors. Culverts meant for drainages are filled up with refuse dumps. So also are pockets of refuse all over the places.
As a matter of urgency, the Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) needs to wade in quickly and address the challenges facing this town, which ought to benefit from the centre because of its proximity.
The FCT Minister, Chief Nyeson Wike will do well by going on a working visit to Zuba to personally assess its sorry state. Such visit will give the minister of the idea on how best to swiftly move into action to transform the town into a possible investment destination.
Rashidat yusuf wrote in from Abuja and can be reached on
Yusufrashidat12@gmail.com