Traditional title tussle: Bashar chiefdom seeks justice over Rekna’s suspension

The Bashar Chiefdom Development Association (BACODA) in Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State is seeking justice over the suspension of the Rekna of Bashar, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris, by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

The association made the call on Friday during a press conference held in Jos, the state capital.

Led by Alhaji Yunusa Aliyu, Sarkin Malaman Bashar and secretary of the chiefdom, the group said it was surprised to hear the news on Wednesday that the appointed Rekna of Bashar, the highest traditional title holder in Bashar community, had been asked to step aside pending an investigation. 

The chiefdom noted, “We have a detailed report of the selection process showing clearly that all the stakeholders involved in the selection of the Rekna of Bashar duly participated in the said process, which was conducted since 2022. The process was also captured on video and submitted to government since 2022. 

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“The report clearly showed the names of the nominees, list of kingmakers in attendance, ballots cast for the candidates, recommendation of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs, amongst others. 

“For the avoidance of doubt and for record purposes no participant has challenged the selection in any court of law since 2022. It is apparent from the report that there was absolute compliance with the necessary provisions of the law regulating the selection of the Rekna of Bashar in 2022. 

“Upon the completion of the exercise and submission of the report of the five-man committee constituted by the state government who oversaw the selection process,  Simon Bako Lalong, the former governor of Plateau State, in the exercise of his powers, appointed Alhaji Abdullahi Idris as the new Rekna of Bashar. 

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Rekna of Bashar received his appointment letter on the 5th of January, 2023 and was installed and presented with the second-class staff of office by the governor on the February 23, 2023.

“It is  necessary to put on record further that the appointment of the new Rekna was approved by the governor only upon the receipt of the recommendation of the report dated December 29, 2022, from the chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, HRM Da Jacob Gyang Buba, “ the group added.