Tangale King: State govt in face-off with the people

Contrary to the reports that Gombe State government has appointed a new King in Tangale Chiefdom to replace late Abdu Buba-Maisheru (II), the 15th Mai of the Chiefdom, the state government says it has not done so.

While some social media reports say Mr. Danladi Maiyamba was appointed as the new Mai, while others claimed that Dr Musa Idris Maiyamba was chosen by the Kingmakers.

Debunking the reports, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, said until normalcy is restored in Tangale land, the government will not make any pronouncement on the issue.

According to him, “Following the development taking place in parts of Billiri Local Government Area,the Gombe State Government wishes to categorically state that it has not pronounced a New Mai Tangale because the process has not been concluded.

“Until normalcy is restored in Tangale Chiefdom, it will be difficult for Government to make any pronouncement on the issue.”

The government also called the on protesters that blocked Gombe – Yola road to withdraw with immediate effect.

Recall that people of Tangale Chiefdom in Billiri local government area of Gombe State took to the street to protest what they called “delay tactics” in announcing their preferred candidate to replace the late King of the Chiefdom, Late Abdu Buba-Maisheru (II).

A resident of the town, Benjamin Dangoma told our correspondent that they are protesting to call on the state government to respect the choice of the people of the Tangale.

He alleged that the governor is planning to announce somebody other than their preferred candidate, Dr Musa Idris Maiyamba, who according to him, got the highest votes from the Kingmakers.

According to him “Following the demise of our late King, Late Abdu Buba-Maisheru, as it is under the customary law, the Kingmakers of this Kingdom have the responsibility to choose for their people who will be the next Mai (King), subject to confirmation of the governor.

“The Kingmakers have sat down and voted, where five out of nine voted for Dr Musa Idris Maiyamba, two voted for Ahmad Magaji and another two voted for Mr Danladi. So you see the Tangale people have spoken through their Kingmakers.

“Our wonder is, why is the delay? We heard that the governor has his own preferred candidate other than the one elected by the Kingmakers.

“So we are protesting to call the attention of the governor to please allow the will of the people prevail for peace to reign. We are peace people and all we want is peace.” he added.

▪︎ Report by Daily Light Reporters