Court Removes Adamawa Traditional Ruler From Office

The Law (Photo File)

Court Sacks Adamawa Traditional Ruler From Office

A High Court sitting in Yola, has ordered the Adamawa state governor, Muhammadu Bindow to replace the the District Head of Jalingo-Maiha, Yarima Wakili, with Mahmud Abubakar.

The presiding judge, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman on Friday ordered the state governor to recognize Mahmud Abubakar, whose name was earlier forwarded to him for approval by Mubi Emirate Council as the selected traditional ruler.

Mahmud Abubakar (Plaintiff) had dragged the governor, Mubi Emirate Council, Yarima Wakili and Attorney General of the state as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants, respectively, over the appointment of Wakili as the district head of Jalingo-Maiha in Maiha Local Government Area, NAN reports.

In her Judgment, Justice Abdulrahman said Abubakar has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he is the authentic candidate for the district head stool, having been selected by village heads in Maiha, who conducted the selection exercise under the supervision of representatives from Mubi Emirate Council.

“That the approval of the 3rd defendant by the governor of Adamawa State as the district head of Jalingo-Maiha district, Maiha Local Government Area who was not the person recommended by the 2nd defendant is wrongful, illegal, null and void.

“That the plaintiff whose name was forwarded to the Governor of Adamawa State for approval by the 2nd defendant, is the proper person to be approved for appointment as the district head of Jalingo-Maiha District.

“It is hereby ordered that the Governor of Adamawa State (1st defendant) should approve the plaintiff as the proper person for appointment as District Head of Jalingo-Maiha District.

“An order of perpetual injunction is hereby given, restraining the 3rd defendant from parading himself as district head of Jalingo-Maiha District, Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa State,” the court ruled.