Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has directed a review of the selection process of the new Emir of Kontagora.
Dateline Nigeria reports that Muhammadu Barau Muazu had emerged the new emir based on the selection by the kingmakers, but the outcome was rejected by some contestants.
The Niger State Governor also temporarily redeployed Emmanuel Umar from the Ministry of Youth Development to that of Local Government, Community Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs to oversee the review.
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The redeployed LG commissioner Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji had earlier on a radio programme confirmed that Barau Muazu won the selection process, even as he said that the governor reserved the power to appoint a new emir.
“With the demise of the sixth Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, late Alhaji Saidu Namaska on Thursday, 9th September 2021, the Executive Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello directed the Ministry for Local Government, Community Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct a transparent and accountable election of the new Sarkin Sudan which took place on Sunday, 19th September 2021.
“However, the aftermath of the election was followed by petitions and misgivings.
“Therefore, to reinforce the State Government’s neutrality in the election process, a review of the process has been directed by Mr. Governor.
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“In this regard, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji has been temporarily moved to the Ministry of Youth Development.
“Similarly, Mr. Emmanuel Umar, Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Youth Development has been temporarily redeployed to Ministry for Local Government, Community Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs.
“The redeployment takes immediate effect,” according to a statement by Ahmed I. Matane
Secretary to the Government of Niger State.
