The choice of a new Mai Tangale gets fierce as the Gombe Govt imposes a 24-hour curfew.

The Gombe State government has imposed an indefinite 24-hour curfew in the Billiri local government area, which will take effect immediately on Friday, February 19, 2021.

The development comes after the current outbreak of violence in the city of Billiri, which has escalated into a threat to the safety of both life and property.

According to a press release signed by the Secretary of the Government of the State of Gombe (SSG), Professor Ibrahim Njodi Abubakar, the government has reaffirmed the need for peaceful coexistence of citizens and a commitment to protecting life and property. As a result, the government suspended all forms of assembly in the Billiri local government area.

The statement instructed all security forces to enforce strict compliance with the curfew directive, while all citizens are required to comply with the directive, with the exception of personnel providing essential services.

It should be recalled that the Gombe State government has given assurances that it is holding far-reaching consultations with relevant stakeholders on who will be the next Mai Tangale among the top three contenders represented by the Kingmakers.

This was announced by the Secretary of State Government (SSG), Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, addressing reporters shortly after a stakeholder meeting held at the Deputy Governor’s office.

He said the path to the Mai Tangale throne began when a total of 23 people showed interest in the position, but due to vetting and some other important considerations in the selection process, the number was reduced to 18 and then to 3 candidates.

He went on to clarify that these 3 candidates received votes from the Kingmakers and are now equal in the eyes of the law no matter how many votes they received.

Professor Nyodi said that the names of the top three contenders who received votes in the competition have since been passed on to the governor of the state, explaining that “the number of votes of the kingmakers is not a determining factor in who will become emir or leader”, but only depends on their votes. who of the top three candidates will recommend to the governor, and nothing else. “

SSG added: “You all know that the 2020 amended Gombe State laws give the governor the prerogative to select one of the top three candidates.”

On January 25, 2021, the Governor of Gombe State agreed to the Gombe State Chiefdom Act 2020. The relevant legislative provision for the appointment of an emir or chieftain is that the Council of Traditional Creators of Kings of the Emirate, or Chiefdom, will propose to the governor three candidates for the vacant seat from among the eligible members of the royal family.

The governor, after due deliberation, will select one of the candidates for appointment to the post of emir or leader.

Thus, the appointment of an emir or leader is the prerogative of the governor.

Ibrahim Njodi explained that “therefore, the governor is still consulting with stakeholders to find what is good for the people.”

He also said that the Mai Tangale venue is so important that it requires careful consultation and background checks to get to those who are sitting there.

He added that “any sentiment or distrust in this process is inappropriate, because the three names presented to the governor are bona fide children, and they all belong to the same lineage.”

Calling for calm, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi said that the government can function and fulfill the desires and aspirations of the people only in an atmosphere of peace.

The selection among potential rulers was suspended three times, and for the fourth time Dr. Mayamba won again.

“The other two members received two votes each, while Mayamba received five votes when the Kingmakers cast their votes. In the days following the election, the Governor of Gombe State did not provide any reason why the state government refused to deliver his letter of appointment to Mayamba.

“We hear that the governor does not like the Muslim candidate and prefers him. People driving along the road from Yola, Adamawa State to Gombe saw no traffic on the federal road as the women protested peacefully. There is currently a tense situation in the Kaltungo, Shongom and Billyri districts, ”the source said.

“We are all from the north and can treat us as equals. What gives us peace and unity is equal justice. We need peace and justice.

“People who know Dr. Musa Idris Mayamba know that he doesn’t deserve it. Governor Yahai should not deny northern Nigeria the good leaders we deserve in the name of perceived feelings. Dr. Musa is a doctor, born prince, peaceful, respectful and flexible.

“We ask all people of truth, love and justice to ask the governor to respect the wishes and decisions of the people of Tangale. This should not allow the fragile north to continue to split over our differences. Rather, he must obey the principles of justice, ”said another community leader.

Residents and indigenous people have repeatedly insisted on the choice of Dr. Mayamba, a position in which the state government is not very comfortable.

In the Shongom and Billyri districts of Gombe State, there have been massive protests after the newly elected Mai Tangale ruler, Dr. Musa Maiyamba, did not receive a letter of appointment and was not sworn in by the state government.