BY CHARLY AGWAM, Bauchi
Some lawyers under the umbrella of Laywers for The Cause of Bauchi (LAWBA), and Bauchi State Chapter of Human Right Community in Nigeria (HURICON) have warned against using traditional institution to settle political scores.
Team lead, Usamat Adam who spoke with journalists during the weekend in Bauchi condemned the alleged abuse of traditional institution by Governor Bala Mohammed.
Last week, Senator Shebu Buba representing Bauchi South senatorial district of had replied Governor Mohammed over his attack on President Bola Tinubu.
Following the senator’s reply, his traditional title, Mujaddadin Bauchi was taken from him by the Bauchi emirate council, which many believe is not unconnected to the understanding between the senator and the governor.
“We note with grave concern and warning that the decision by the Bauchi Emirate Council to withdraw the traditional title of Mujaddadin Bauchi earlier conferred on Distinguished Senator Shehu Buba.
“The reasons adduced for that have further confirmed a consistent pattern and habit of the incumbent administration to drag the revered traditional institution into politics with the consequence that it is daily losing the remnant of public trust and confidence left in it.
“It is most unfortunate, condemnable and a clear abuse of power that rather than address the basic issues on the ground as highlighted by Senator Buba and other stakeholders like one of the groups participating in these mega joint press Conference, Bauchi State Government ended up proving the allegations leveled against it,” he said.
Adam continued, “In Bauchi State, available records show that the number of title holders removed or suspended to date include; Wakilin Birni (May, 2021) , Jakkadan Bauchi (January, 2022), Wazirin Bauch (January 2023), Karan Ningi (November, 2023) and Mujaddadin Bauchi August 2024.”
