Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya
By Akanji Alowolodu, Gombe
Though a new Mai Tangale has been appointed by the Gombe State Government, the controversy surrounding the issue is far from settled as Tangale Elders Forum has declared that Despite the concerted effort of the Forum for the restoration of peace in Billiri Local Government, the State Government has remained insensitive to the plight of the Tangale people.
The TEF in a communique it issued and made available to Journalists at the end of its meeting held on 22 of March, 2021 alleged that, “One of the losers was smuggled into the Kingdom and was surreptitiously installed as the new ‘Mai Tangle”.
The Forum according to the communique jointly signed by Agur Sankace A, Acting National President and Charles Iliya (Dan Ruwatan Tangale), the presence of heavily armed Security officers during the exercise of the election of the Mai was uncalled for. Therefore the people were highly intimidated by the presence of heavily armed security officers. It was a clear case of coercion.
It added that, “Non-elective Traditional Council leaders were absolutely denied access into the venue of the exercise. This is a negation of the standing procedure. They were denied their role of being observers.The agents of the candidate were not allowed at the venue”.
The communique further contained that, “Tangale Elders forum found it difficult to understand the type of Arithmetic of the State Government where two (2) become great or more than five” .
It further stated that, “The arrest of our people up to 24 numbers by the State Government to Abuja and Gombe was an Anathema. We believed a crisis like this takes two to tango, however the arrest was lopsided” .
The Tangale Elders Forum and the TCDA demand also the release of the District Head of Todi who according to the two bodies was also arrested for flimsy reasons.
The TEF declared in the communique that, “It is evident that the Governor does not mean well for the Tangale people, this is quite clear from the statement coming from the Governor. Let him not forget that he swore to an allegiance to protect the lives and properties of the entire people of Gombe State and of course the Tangale people”.
“The Tangale Elders Forum decry the very long duration of the curfew imposed on our people. The curfew should therefore be completely lifted in order to allow our people (the Christians) to observe the Easter celebration which is a major religious observance by the Christendom all over the world”, the TEF declared.
It stressed that, “The guideline as approved in accordance with the culture and tradition of the Tangale people was totally flouted. The government took over the entire exercise instead of the King makers. The entire Tangale people do not want anything now other than the appointment and enthronement of Dr. Musa Idris Iliyasu Maiyamba as the duly elected Mai Tangle”.
“The Tangale Elders Forum wishes to use this opportunity to call on our people to be firmly united with one another. Our people should also be their brother’s keepers by being security conscious in whatever they are doing.We appeal to our people to remain calm as the Tangale Elders Forum is restive for the sake of the Tangale nation”, the Forum appealed.
The Forum observed that “the callous act unleashed on Billiri Town was alien to our people, adding that it is not in the character of Tangale indigene and their settlers with whom they have been co-existing peacefully since time immemorial. It is generally believed external forces/influence might have played a role in this unfortunate incident.
The Forum also decried and condemned in unequivocal terms the wanton destruction of economic facilities and some residential houses and extended its heartfelt sympathy to such victims.
The Forum also appreciated the State Administration’s public pronouncement with regards to compensation to such identified victims stressing that, “this measure would no doubt fast-track the healing process, as well as encourage the return of people who fled away.
Also, the Forum noted with grave concern the outcry made by relatives of some suspects alleged to have been arrested in errors as they were thought to have had nothing to do with the unfortunate incident, “to this end, the Forum wish to appeal for fairness and justice as this would enhance the return of peace” .
It expressed confidence that, “With due diligence and execution of the above peace building processes, the forum hereby appeal to the government to graciously and magnanimously consider. The Forum profoundly appreciated the peaceful co-existence to date between the two major religious groups in the Tangale Chiefdom/Billiri Local Government”.
