The Bauchi State Government has suspended the Emir of Lame in Toro Local Government Area, Alhaji Aliyu Lame, over allegations of misconduct, while constituting a 12-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the allegations against the traditional ruler.
The decision was disclosed on Saturday in Bauchi by the Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on Media and Publicity, Mr Mukhtar Gidado, who said the governor approved the suspension following formal petitions and intelligence reports received from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies.
According to Gidado, the allegations against the Emir include unlawful interference in land administration, unauthorised collection of levies, interference in the operations of mining companies and other alleged acts of misconduct.
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He said the government was concerned that the alleged activities had generated tension within the Lame Emirate and raised questions about public peace and security in the area.
The government spokesman explained that the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had earlier requested explanations from the traditional ruler, who subsequently submitted written responses to the allegations.
However, he said the government considered the explanations unsatisfactory and decided to establish an independent administrative panel to investigate the matter and determine the facts surrounding the allegations.
The 12-member panel is chaired by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sani Mohammed, and comprises representatives of security agencies, relevant ministries, Toro Local Government Area and other government institutions.
Gidado said the panel had been given three weeks to investigate the allegations, examine relevant documents, invite individuals connected to the matter and submit its findings and recommendations to the state government.
He stressed that the suspension was a precautionary administrative measure intended to protect the integrity of the investigation and prevent possible interference with witnesses and official records.
As part of the conditions attached to the suspension, the Emir has been directed to remain within the Lame Emirate unless otherwise authorised by the government.
He was also instructed to refrain from interfering in the administrative, traditional and official affairs of the Emirate throughout the period of his suspension.
Meanwhile, the government has directed the Senior Councillor of the Lame Emirate Council, Alhaji Bala Gumau, to take charge of its day-to-day administrative activities in an interim capacity pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Bauchi State Government appealed to residents of the Lame Emirate and Toro Local Government Area, community leaders, traditional titleholders and youths to remain calm, maintain peace and cooperate with security agencies and the panel.
The government said the investigation was necessary to establish the facts surrounding the allegations, while its outcome and recommendations are expected to guide further decisions on the matter.