Two Traditional Rulers Suspended For Organising Prayers For President Buhari’s Re-Election

Two traditional rulers in Deba district of Gombe State have been suspended from office after they organized a prayer session for the success of President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election in 2019.

On November 23, Alhaji Julde and Ummaru Bappayo, two traditional chiefs, held a religious praying session for Muhammadu Buhari so that the incumbent president of Nigeria wins the presidential election of February 2019.

This, however, did not go down well with the Emir of Deba, he ordered an immediate suspension of the two traditional rulers, Alhaji Julde of Garin Mallam and Ummaru Bappayo of Wajari district.

According to the letter of suspension written in Hausa language and signed by the acting secretary of the emirate, Saidu Mele, states that they were suspended from office with effect from November 23.

“I have been directed to inform you that as from today ( 23/11/2018), his Royal Highness the Emir of Deba has suspended you from serving as district head because of some terrible reasons.

“You are, therefore, expected to cease carrying out any function as a traditional ruler immediately.”

According to Premium Times, the letter did not mention the specific offense the traditional rulers committed, the victims confirmed the reason for the suspension.

Mr Julde confirmed over the telephone that they organized the prayer session as a “normal zikr” but that they usually use such occasions to pray for the leaders. He said:

“It’s true we were suspended for organizing Zikr and praying for our dear president. I don’t know what is wrong with that.”

Mr Julde also said he believes the Emir of Deba was directed by the state government to order their suspension. He said he believes Mr Dankwambo ordered their suspension.

When contacted, an aide to the Emir of Deba, Modu Chokali, said:

“to the best of my knowledge, no district head was suspended for political reasons.”

Also, the Commissioner for Information in the state, Umar Nafada, denied knowledge of the suspension in a message sent to him via Whatsapp. Mr Nafada said:

“It is not true but I will confirm and get back to you. Thanks.”

However, he has not replied a reminder sent to him up till the time of publishing this story.