Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has warned traditional rulers in the state not to be involved in partisan politics, saying such would be an aberration and desecration of the traditional institution.
He stated that his administration would not tolerate such behavior, pointing out that while each political party is their own, none of them belong to them.
The governor handed down the warning in his speech on Saturday, shortly after he presented the staff of office to the 12th Emir of Katagum Emirate, Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Alhaji Umar Faruk II.
“By urging traditional rulers to mobilise the citizens to support the government’s policies and programmes, we do not mean that they should engage in partisan politics. Traditional rulers are not involved in partisan politics under any circumstances.
“The involvement of traditional rulers in partisan politics under any guise is not only an aberration but a desecration of our traditional institutions, and that would not be taken lightly by anybody,” he stated.
Mohammed said that he had been receiving reports that some traditional rulers in the state were involved in shoddy practises with the grazing, forest reserves, and cattle routes in the state and warned that he wouldn’t spare anyone found wanting.
“Let me warn that any traditional ruler or official of the state or local governments found to be involved in such malpractices will not be spared,” he said, adding that “existing laws of the Land Use Act are strictly adhered to and to ensure a harmonious relationship between farmers and herders.”
On security, the governor assured that he was totally committed to the protection of the lives and properties of the people across the state.
