The Emir of Gwandu who was deposed in
2005 by the Kebbi State Government should be
reinstated to his stool, a Kebbi State High
Court ruled Thursday.
Mustapha Jokolo, the 19th Emir of Gwandu,
was removed by then state governor, Adamu
Aliero, on claims that he was making
“reckless statements” capable of threatening
national security.
He was reportedly banished to Lafia.
On Thursday, Justice Abbas Ahman ruled that
the deposition was a violation of the rule of
law.
The judge declared as null and void the
appointment of Muhammad Iliyasu, the 20th
Emir of Gwandu, and ordered Mr. Jokolo’s
immediate reinstatement.
The court’s decision elicited jubilation around
Birnin Kebbi metropolis as well as in Gwandu
town.
In their reaction, the Kebbi State government
said it would challenge the decision of the
high court.
According to Aminu Usman, permanent
secretary at the Kebbi State Ministry of
Justice, the state government would study the
court’s decision and would be ready to go as
far as the Supreme Court.
Mr. Jokolo, the Aide De Camp (ADC) to former
Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, in 1983,
ascended the throne of Gwandu Emirate in
1995 after the death of his father.
Ten years later, Governor Aliero removed Mr.
Jokolo over several allegations including
abandoning his throne for Kaduna and at one
time relocating to Kaduna with his family.
Mohammed Ambursa, the Information
Commissioner in the state, had justified Mr.
Jokolo’s deposition adding that the governor
acted based on the powers conferred on him
by section six of the Chiefs (Appointment and
Deposition) law of the state.
Mr. Ambursa had said that the deposed Emir’s
character was seen as complex rather than
the simplicity expected of his status.
“In addition, he was said to be having high
disregard and disrespect for constituted
authority as represented by his travelling
outside his domain without official permission
from the state and or local governments, Mr.
Ambursa had added.”
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