The member representing Gembu Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Abdulazeez Suleiman Titong, has denied any involvement in the suspension of Alhaji Babaji Abubakar Garba Jugulde as District Head of Wurbo Gashiri, in Sardauna local government council of the state.
Titong, through a statement signed by Aliyu Njidda Abdullahi, described allegations linking him to the suspension as unsubstantiated and challenged the author to provide verifiable evidence to support the claims.
The statement, issued on Thursday in response to the allegations, also demanded a public apology from the author over his reported description of the lawmaker as a “bloody coward.”
Titong maintained that his responsibilities as a legislator centred on lawmaking, constituency representation and community development, rather than the administration of traditional institutions or the determination of chieftaincy matters.
"Attributing the suspension of a traditional ruler to the lawmaker without credible evidence was misleading and unfair," the statement read.
"Decisions concerning traditional institutions should be examined within the context of applicable laws, established customs and relevant administrative procedures", the statement added.
The statement further maintained that the suspension of a traditional ruler was a serious matter that required a proper understanding of the circumstances surrounding the decision, rather than speculation or assumptions based on political differences.
It challenged the author to present evidence establishing a connection between Titong and the decision to suspend Jugulde.
The statement also referenced controversies involving traditional rulers in other parts of the country, including Kano, Bauchi and Zamfara, while insisting that each case should be assessed independently based on its specific circumstances.
The aide expressed concern that the controversy could distract attention from issues requiring unity, peace, effective representation and sustainable development in the constituency.
The statement also urged political actors and social media users to embrace issue-based discussions, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
While acknowledging the importance of constructive criticism of public officeholders, the aide said such criticism should be factual and expressed with civility.
He called on the author to withdraw the allegation linking Titong to the suspension of the district head unless he could substantiate it with credible evidence.
It urged social media commentators to verify information before making allegations against public officials, stressing the need for responsible public discourse.
Taraba lawmaker denies involvement in district head suspension