NEWS
El-Rufai dethrones two Kaduna monarchs, fires 3 district heads
In a display of decisive authority, Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has wielded his power by approving the removal of the traditional rulers of Piriga and Arak Chiefdoms.
His Highness, Jonathan Paragua Zamuna, and His Highness, General Aliyu Iliyah Yammah (retd.) have been stripped of their esteemed positions effective from Monday, 22nd May 2023.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner of Local Government, Hajiya Umma Ahmad, who revealed that the depositions were carried out based on recommendations from the Ministry of Local Government in accordance with the stipulations of Section 11 of the Traditional Institutions Law No. 21 of 2021.
Addressing the matter, Commissioner Ahmad stated, “Henceforth, His Highness Babangida Sule, the District Head of Garun Kurama, will assume temporary leadership over the Piriga Chiefdom until the appointment of a new chief. Furthermore, the Council Secretary has been instructed to initiate the process of selecting a worthy successor.”
Similarly, Gomna Ahmadu, the Council Secretary of Arak Chiefdom, has been entrusted with overseeing the affairs of the chiefdom and has been directed to initiate the necessary procedures for the appointment of a new Chief.
Justifying the actions taken, the statement declared, “The government’s decision stems from its dissatisfaction with General Iliyah Yammah’s response to the query regarding his appointment of four district heads, which contradicted the approved number for his chiefdom, as well as his failure to reside within the Arak chiefdom.”
Regarding the deposition of Jonathan Zamuna, the statement cited recent communal clashes between the Gure and Kitimi communities of Piriga chiefdom in Lere LGA, as well as his non-residence within the chiefdom, as factors contributing to the decision.
El-Rufai‘s statement further disclosed the immediate disengagement of the village heads of Aban, Abujan Mada, and Anjil in Arak Chiefdom, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the actions taken by the Kaduna State Government.
