Why Governor Bala Sacked Six Traditional Rulers

By Ayodele Oni

For their roles during the last General Elections, six traditional rulers in Bauchi State have incurred the wrath of the State Government. They have been sacked from office.

The six monarchs and one other said to be the brother of one of them were accused of working against the political interest of the government in the 2023 General elections.

The Six traditional rulers were accused of alleged partisan participation in the recent political activities leading to the 2023 General elections as announced by Bauchi State Government.

The dismissed traditional rulers are from Two Emirate Councils of Bauchi and Katagum, which are the two leading Emirates in the state, the Emir of Bauchi is the Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers while that of Katagum is the Deputy Chairman.

According to a statement dated 20th July, 2023, “The Local Government Service Commission has approved the dismissal of Six traditional rulers in Bauchi and Katagum Emirate Councils.”

The statement, signed by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Nasiru  Dewu, on behalf of the Chairman of the Commission, those affected include, Alhaji Aminu Muhammad Malami, District Head of Udubo, Alhaji Bashir Kabir Umar, District Head of Azare, Umar Omar, Village Head of Gadiya, and Umar Bani, Village Head of Tarmasuwa all in Katagum Emirate Council.

Also dismissed from Bauchi Emirate Council are: Bello Suleman, Village Head of Beni and Alhaji Yusuf Aliyu Badara, Village Head of Badara.

The statement therefore directed the affected traditional rulers to handover to their Secretaries while the Emirate Councils are to appoint overseeing officers pending the appointment of substantive officers by the Commission.

The statement explained that they were dismissed based on “involvement in Partisan Politics, Misconduct, Illegal Forest Reserve Encroachment/Falling of trees, Misappropriation of Public Funds and Insubordination, which is contrary to the Public Service Rules.”