Bashar Community Development Association (BACODA) of Wase LGA, has raised serious concern making a passionate appeal to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State to withdraw or rescind the review directive on the Rekna of Bashar Chiefdom.
The appeal was made recently at the press conference led by the Secretary of BACODA, Alh. Inusa Ali, at the Plateau State Headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Jos, the State capital.
Reading the text at the press conference, the BACODA Secretary, they received the shocking announcement Wednesday October 2, 2024 on PRTVC that the Rekna of Bashar Chiefdom should step aside pending investigation on the selection conducted and concluded since 2022.
He reasoned that this strange trend has compelled BACODA to organize this press conference to demonstrate the concern of their communities which they described as dangerous and disturbing new precedent and unfortunate trend.
“While the instruction for the Rekna to step down has been issued, we passionately appeal to the government to reassess the situation and kindly withdraw/rescind this directive for the interest and well-being of the entire people of Bashar Chiefdom.
“How this decision became necessary is a subject of speculation amongst our local populace thus enhancing tension and obvious misgivings.
“While we acknowledge the robust governance frameworks in place within our state, we are compelled to voice our serious reservations about the instruction for Rekna to step aside pending the conclusions of an investigation by committee on complaints related to his 2022 selection”, Ali explained.
BACODA, however, described the review process rendered as unnecessary considering the clear reference to the existing report and the established actions of Government.
According to them, it was the greatest surprise and disbelieve to receive such information that the Rekna was instructed to step aside pending the finalization of the committee’s findings.
“The current decision has not only advanced tension, disunity and distrust but have generated a substantial leadership gap within our chiefdom, coinciding with a period when resolute leadership is desperately needed.
“As we are all cognizant, our chiefdom has faced an uptick or resurgence in banditry and insecurity, which demands steadfast direction and leadership to safeguard the well-being and stability of the entire people of the chiefdom.
“It is essential that these traditions are respected and upheld, as they are what binds our chiefdom together in times of crisis or adversity such as we are currently contending with even though, absolutely avoidable in the first place”, the text emphasised.
Alhaji Inusa Ali, moreover, highlighted the longstanding traditions of Bashar Chiefdom which stipulated that, in the absence of the Rekna, irrespective of the circumstances, the Madakin Bashar automatically assumes leadership responsibilities.
He, behalf of the communities, passionately appealed for Government’s neutrality on the purported contentions advanced by selected individuals, attracting Government patronage on the stool of the Rekna of Bashar.
Ali, explained that it was unfortunate and disturbing that Bashar Chiefdom was been singled out for this treatment among numerous serious Chieftaincy Complaints statewide deserving attention that has not been attended to.
He expressed concern that, his people received this action as a perceived disparity in treatment and has generated concerns and inquiries regarding impartiality, fairness and justice.
“We recommend that the state government exercise judiciousness and ensure consistent application of procedures to prevent perceptions of partiality or impropriety.
“Communities within Bashar have demonstrated exceptional loyalty and support to the present Rekna, readily embracing his leadership, which is being extensively recognized, felt and celebrated throughout the chiefdom.
“The current trend is a serious distraction and setback which must not be encouraged to thrive by Government.We therefore strongly request His Excellency Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, to ensure justice in this matter”, the Secretary.
He, however, expressed confidence in the leadership qualities of Governor Mutfwang and implored him to stand by the oath he took to protect his people without fear, favour or ill will, nor allow any sentiments or considerations to influence his official decisions.
It was revealed that the former Rekna of Bashar, Late Alhaji Adamu Idris, on the September 24, 2022, a new Rekna of Bashar, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris was selected by the kingmakers since 2022.
Attached were detailed reports of the selection process showing all the stakeholders involved in the selection of the Rekna of Bashar who participated in the said process which was conducted since 2022.
The process was also captured on video and submitted to Government since 2022. The report clearly showed that the names of the nominees, list of attendance of kingmakers, ballots cast for the candidates, recommendation of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs amongst others.
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