In Nigeria, Bauchi suspends the emir of Lame over alleged abuses
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on P.M. News
The government of Bauchi, in northern Nigeria, has suspended the emir of Lame, Aliyu Lame, over suspected land interference and illegal levies. A 12-member inquiry committee, chaired by former senior police officer Sani Mohammed, will examine the allegations, according to a statement from Mukhtar Gidado, adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed.
The government of Bauchi State, in north-eastern Nigeria, has suspended the Emir of Lame, Alhaji Aliyu Lame, the traditional ruler of Toro local government area, over alleged misconduct. In a statement, Mukhtar Gidado, special adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on media, said the actions had created tensions within the emirate and raised fears for public peace.
The allegations concern interference in land administration, the unauthorised collection of levies and interference in the activities of mining companies. The government considers the written explanations submitted by the emir to be insufficient, which has led it to open an independent administrative inquiry.
A 12-member commission of inquiry, chaired by Sani Mohammed, a retired former deputy inspector general of police, is to examine the allegations. It includes representatives of the security services, ministries and the Toro administration. It has three weeks to hear the parties, review documents and submit its recommendations.
The suspension is presented as a preventive administrative measure intended to protect the investigation. The emir must remain within the Lame emirate unless authorised to leave, and refrain from any involvement in its affairs. Alhaji Bala Gumau, senior adviser to the emirate council, is temporarily handling day-to-day administration.
