BAUCHI SUSPENDS EMIR OF LAME OVER ALLEGED ABUSE OF OFFICE, ILLEGAL LEVIES
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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim
The Bauchi State Government has suspended the Emir of Lame, Yakubu Aliyu, over allegations of illegal collection of levies, interference in land administration and meddling in the activities of mining companies.
The suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in place pending the outcome of an investigation by a 12-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry established by Governor Bala Mohammed.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, announced this in a statement on Saturday, explaining that the panel would investigate allegations of abuse of office and other misconduct against the traditional ruler.
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Gidado said the government received several formal petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies concerning the emir’s alleged activities.
He noted that the complaints had heightened tensions within the Lame Emirate and raised concerns about public peace, security and peaceful coexistence.
“The allegations against the Emir include unlawful interference in land administration, unauthorised collection of levies, undue interference in the operations of mining companies, and other alleged acts of misconduct,” the statement read.
According to Gidado, the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had earlier requested explanations from Aliyu regarding the allegations, in line with the principles of natural justice and fair hearing.
He said although the monarch submitted written responses, the government considered them unsatisfactory, prompting the decision to establish an independent panel to investigate the matter.
“The government emphasises that the allegations remain subject to investigation and that the Emir shall be afforded the opportunity to respond to all allegations against him in accordance with the principles of natural justice and due process,” he stated.
The panel is chaired by a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sani Mohammed, while its members include a retired Director of the Department of State Services, Musa Mohammed Yankari, as well as representatives of the police, DSS and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Other members were drawn from the state ministries of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Development, Toro Local Government Area and the Local Government Service Commission.
The panel has been given three weeks to submit its findings and recommendations to the state government.
Gidado explained that the suspension was a precautionary measure aimed at protecting the investigation, preventing possible interference with witnesses and official emirate records, and reducing tensions within the community.
The emir was also directed to remain within the Lame Emirate throughout the suspension unless granted permission by the appropriate authority. He was further instructed not to interfere in the administrative, traditional or other official affairs of the emirate council.
Meanwhile, the Senior Councillor of the Lame Emirate Council, Bala Abubakar, popularly known as Galadiman Lame, has been appointed to oversee the day-to-day administration of the emirate in an interim capacity.
The government said the arrangement was intended to ensure continuity in the administration of the emirate while the investigation lasted.
It urged residents, community leaders, traditional titleholders, youths and other stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding, reaffirming its commitment to accountability and the preservation of the integrity of traditional institutions across the state.
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