The Bauchi State Government has suspended the Emir of Lame, Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame, in Toro Local Government Area over allegations of unlawful interference in land administration, unauthorised levy collection, and interference in mining companies’ operations.
The government also constituted a 12-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the allegations against the traditional ruler.
The decision was announced in a statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado.
According to the statement, the suspension followed several petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies regarding alleged abuse of office and arbitrary exercise of authority.
The government said the alleged activities had generated tension within the Lame Emirate and raised concerns about public peace and security in the area.
It added that the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had requested earlier explanations from the Emir, who submitted written responses. However, the government considered his explanations unsatisfactory, prompting the constitution of an independent panel.
The panel, chaired by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Sani Mohammed, has three weeks to investigate the allegations and submit its findings and recommendations to the state government.
Other members include retired DSS Director Musa Mohammed Yankari and representatives of the police, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Natural Resources Development.
The government also directed the suspended Emir to remain within the Lame Emirate throughout the suspension unless authorised to leave.
He was further barred from interfering in the administrative, traditional and official affairs of the Emirate Council.
To ensure the smooth administration of the emirate, the government appointed the Senior Councillor, Alhaji Bala Abubakar Gumau, who holds the traditional title of Galadiman Lame, to oversee its day-to-day affairs on an interim basis.
The government stressed that the allegations had not yet been established and assured that the suspended Emir would be given an opportunity to defend himself in accordance with the principles of natural justice and fair hearing.
It urged residents, community leaders, traditional titleholders and youths in Lame to remain calm, law-abiding and to cooperate with security agencies and the panel throughout the investigation.