By Sarah NEGEDU
Members of Salka Community in Magama Local Government Area of Niger state are have accused the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Muhammad Barau, of assault an violation of he fundamental right of kingmakers of the community.
The youths, under the aegis of Ollopu Youth Association Salka, accuse the Emir of imposition of the village Head of Salka without consultation with the traditional kingmakers of the community.
A community leader, Bala Bako Salka, recounted to newsmen on Wednesday that Salka kingmakers and women representatives were invited to Kontagora by the Emir, Alhaji Muhammad Barau on 2nd February, 2023, when he informed the team that the embattled District Head of Salka, Alhaji Shehu Bawan Dodo, has been reinstated.
He however, added that the Adide of Salka, a high ranking kingmakers, informed the Emir that the kingmakers were not consulted, insisting that the people of Salka have resolved not to have the embattled village head back on throne.
“On hearing this, the palace guards (Dogarai) descended on him with horse whips, thoroughly beating him until one of the women representative stood up and shield him from his abusers who also hit her.
“It was at that point that the Emir ordered them to stop the beating. They inflicted physical injury on him and was thereafter taken to the police area command office Kontagora like a common criminal.
“He and his colleagues were detained in the police area command office the whole day without food before they were later released. All these happened under the watch of the Police Area Commander, Alhaji Gawuna and Divisional Police Officer, Magama Local Government, who were supposed to be representatives of the Inspector General of Police and the chief law officer of the federation”, he stressed.
According to him, “This is a flagrant abuse of office and an infringement on the rights of Adide of Salka, as he is constitutionally allowed to express himself. For Avoidance of doubt, the embattled Village Head of Salka ran out of Salka on 17th October, 2022 as a result of a protest by the people of Salka against abuse of office, misrule, maladministration and lack of respect for human dignity exhibited by him. This was followed by a letter of appeal to the Emir dated 21st October, 2022, for the immediate removal of the village head but no action was taken.”
He further stated that, “With all due respect, they are the rightful institution to choose a village head for Salka town. This is in consonance with Section 3(2) of the Appointment and Deposition of Chiefs Act of Niger State, 1989( as amended).
“The Niger State Commissioner of Police and Inspector General of Police are kindly invited to take note, as the actions of the Emir and his cohorts to our King makers are unacceptable and condemnable.
“We therefore plead with the media, Human Rights Organizations and the Nigerian Government to call them to order and keep watch on their actions”. We are firm believers in the tenets of democracy which allows for freedom of choice by the people and rule of law.
