Salk Elites Forum (SEF) has appealed to Governor Umar Bago of Niger State to call the Emir of Kontagora (Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora) to order, following alleged controversial appointments that resulted in crisis in Kontagora Emirate.
It called on the governor to cancel all new districts and controversial appointment of a settler as the Village Head of Tungan Kade- Majinga, a Kambari Community in Magama Local Council, to save the Kambari tradition, norms and values.
In a statement by the spokesman, who is a community leader, Mr. Bala Salka, the group alleged that the Emir, who is supposed to be the custodian of peace and cultural heritage of the people, through his acts, caused breakdown of law and order in the area.
SEF also urged the monarch to respect the traditions of different ethnic groups under his domain, and consult them before taking any decision that affects them.
It said: “The turbaning of Hausa Fulani as village Head of Tungan Kade by the Emir has resulted in burning of residential houses, business premises and many, including a policeman, sustaining serious injuries.
“This singular act by the Emir negates the relevant laws governing traditional institutions in the state, and the Emir should be held responsible for the unfortunate incident as well as the breakdown of law and order.”
Similarly, the group kicked against the monarch’s unilateral creation of a new district and appointment of district head.
The forum noted: “The new district consists of about eight Kambari communities, where he made a Fulani man District Head and the community where the man came from as headquarters, even when there are towns that are historically older than her in the new district.
“The act by the Emir of Kontagora is unacceptable and disrespectful to the Kambari people, unlike his predecessors who recognised their tradition.”
