Following the violent turn of events over the selection of a new Tangale Monarch, the Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has suspended any decision on the selection of the new Mai Tangale until normalcy returns to the affected communities.
Speaking in a State-wide broadcast, Governor Yahaya said after inspecting the destruction on the property in Billiri, the 24-hour curfew declared on the local government area would continue to remain in force to further stem the spread of violence, loss of lives and destruction of property.
Governor Yahaya said no official pronouncement was yet to be made about any candidate as the replacement of the late Mai Tangle, before, during and after the eruption of violence in Billiri Local Government Area.
He said he held the succession process of the Mai Tangle with a high sense of responsibility, saying he understands that based on the Gombe State cultural tradition, any decision he takes will have a far-reaching implication not only the Tangale Chiefdom but the entire Gombe State.
Consequently, he said it was the main reason he was still undertaking widespread consultations, conducting background checks and engaging in personal reflection so as to arrive at a decision that would be in the best interest of the people and the state.
“The succession battle is a Tangale cum Gombe State affair and all the three recommended candidates are eminently qualified Tangale princes by virtue of their royal ancestry to the Mai Tangale stool. By history, and in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, religion is not a criterion in selecting the new Mai Tangale or any public office for that matter. Let it be clear that it is within my powers as governor to appoint any of the three recommended candidates to become the new Mai Tangle,” Governor Yahaya said.
He pledged that his administration would not be blackmailed, threatened, intimidated or witch-hunted by any individual or group.
According to him, the Government will vigorously discharge its role of protecting innocent citizens and combating criminality and violence anywhere in Gombe State.
He called on traditional, religious and opinion leaders to prevail on their people to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while calling on the media to refrain from promoting fake news and other narratives that were capable of incitement.
Similarly, Governor Yahaya said his government was in collaboration with relevant Security Agencies to put in place adequate measures to ensure the protection of lives and property of all the people living in Gombe State.
He promised to continue to pursue genuine developmental agenda for all people across all areas of socio-economic endeavours.
The Gombe State Governor expressed his condolences and sympathies to the families of all those who lost their lives or property in the unfortunate incident while promising to do everything within his powers to protect the lives and property of innocent citizens.
He said people in the state had a history of peaceful coexistence and interrelationship among the various tribes and religions; hence, it should not be allowed to suffer because of the selfish interest of some violent minority.
PIAK
