Ibrahim DankwamboEmir of Deba in Gombe State has suspended the district heads of Garin Mallam, Alhaji Julde and that of Wajari, Ummaru Bappayo for reasons which the suspended traditional rulers said bothered on prayers they offered for President Muhammadu Buhari against the 2019 general elections.
The rulers confirmed that their suspension was as a result of the fact they invited prominent Islamic scholars to offer special prayers for President Buhari.
A letter of suspension written in Hausa language and signed by the acting secretary of the emirate, Saidu Mele, states that the traditional rulers were suspended from office with effect from November 23.
It reads: I have been directed to inform you that as from today ( 23/11/2018), his Royal Highness the Emir of Deba has suspended you from serving as district head because of some terrible reasons.
“You are, therefore, expected to cease carrying out any function as a traditional ruler immediately.”
Although the letter did not mention the specific offence the traditional rulers committed, one of the suspended rulers, Alhaji Julde confirmed that they organized the prayer session as a “normal zikr” but that they usually use such occasions to pray for the leaders.
“It’s true we were suspended for organizing Zikr and praying for our dear president. I don’t know what is wrong with that.”
Julde believed that the Emir of Deba was directed by the state government to order their suspension.
He added that the decision to suspend them was taken after a meeting of “top political leaders” in the area. He said he believes Mr Dankwambo ordered their suspension.
Gombe is one of only two states in the North-east governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after incumbent governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo, won re-election in 2015.
Governor Dankwambo sought to be the PDP presidential candidate in the party’s primaries but lost to Atiku Abubakar who is from neighbouring Adamawa State.
Dankwambo has, however, pledged his support to Atiku.
The Commissioner for Information in the state, Umar Nafada, denied knowledge of the suspension, saying: “it is not true but I will confirm and get back to you. Thanks.”
Source: PREMIUM TIMES.
