Mai Tangale: Danjuma group demands installation of winner
The National Christian Elders Forum, led by a former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, and other elder statesmen, has criticized the alleged planned imposition of Mai Tangale, in the Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe state.
The organization said the plot was “another clear indication that democracy, in every form is under threat in Nigeria.”
The NCEF called on Governor Muhammad Yahaya, to adhere to the principle of democracy and announce the appointment of Dr. Musa Maiyamba as the new Mai Tangale in line with the recommendation of the kingmakers of Tangale Kingdom in the interest of justice.
The NCEF, which made the plea in a statement on Sunday titled, “Mai Tangale: Democracy must prevail”, by its secretary, Bosun Emmanuel, said “it is the right of the people to choose their leader”.
It reads partly, “According to the tradition and customs of the Tangale nation, the kingmakers are mandated to elect the new Mai Tangale through a voting process. In the present exercise, three candidates who vied for the traditional stool received votes from the nine kingmakers as follows:
”Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba -five votes, Alhahi Ahmed Magaji – two votes, Alhaji Danladi Sanusi – two votes. It is therefore surprising that the state government has so far failed to announce Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba as the new Mai Tangale. The people of Tangale have embarked on protests, which unfortunately led to the death of people, on the grounds that government wants to announce its candidate that did not win the election process.
”This is another case of abuse of democracy which has been the bane of Nigeria and is responsible for the distress that has engulfed the entire country. The Gombe state government should not promote the government of minority over majority. Therefore, the will of the people must remain sacrosanct.
