Community Leaders Petition Emir of Kagara Over Legality of Recent District Appointments in Kagara Emirate
By Yahaya Zakka Minna
In a significant development, community leaders within the Kagara Emirate have officially submitted a petition to the Niger State Governor, urging him to suspend the new district creation and appointments in Kagara Emirate.
The community leaders represented by BAKO HARUNA TEGINA AND YAHAYA MOHAMMED TEGINA (SANFADAN TEGINA,believe that such measures are necessary to avert injustice, legal crises, and communal strife.
The petition, signed by their counsel, Chris Osuagwu Esq. (Head of Practice), and shared with the Nigeria Daily Post, outlines procedural and legal deficiencies that undermine the legitimacy of the newly created districts. A key issue highlighted is the absence of official gazettes, which renders the appointments legally questionable.
This petition which is also addressed to Security operatives and other relevant stakeholders. It argues that the restructuring process violates established traditions and lacks proper consultation, which was historically exemplified by the late Emir, Alhaji Salihu Tanko.
Concerns are raised about the potential for boundary disputes due to the lack of delineated jurisdictional boundaries for the newly appointed heads.
A particularly contentious issue is the transfer of the sitting District Head of Kagara, whose position has been taken over by a relative of the current Emir, raising questions about favoritism and the integrity of the appointment process.
Furthermore, the petition emphasizes violations of gazetted succession laws. A majority of the newly appointed district heads belong to the Gunna Royal Lineage, despite established eligibility criteria that favor the Tegina Royal Lineage.
According to the petition a Historical contexti has provided, noting that Tegina has been recognized as the custodian of the Kagara area since the mid-19th century. The petitioners argue that these recent changes threaten to distort the historical narrative and leadership structure of the Emirate.
The petitioners are urging the relevant authorities to reconsider these appointments, ensure compliance with legal standards, and uphold the traditions that have historically governed the Kagara Emirate.
Community leaders and residents remain hopeful for a fair resolution that honors the heritage and historical significance of the Kagara Emirate.
The full petition, along with supporting annexures detailing historical and legal claims, is expected to be presented to both local and state government in the coming days it added.
The petition calls on authorities to produce all relevant circulars, approvals, and Emirate Council minutes relied upon for the restructuring exercise and to ensure the rightful and qualified heirs to the throne are placed in every district and village area.
