The newly selected Emir of Kontagora Emirate, Alhaji Mohammed Barau Kontagora has been presented with appointment letter.
The presentation took place at the Government House Minna.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello represented by the Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs Mr Emmanuel Umar enjoined the new Emir to carry every one along, to ensure peaceful coexistence which he said is necessary for the growth and development of the Emirate.
Recall that Governor Abubakar Sani Bello cancelled the appointment of Barau after 46 other contestants for the coveted seat wrote a petition alleging irregularities in the selection process.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, accused of perpetrating the irregularities, was redeployed by Sani Bello.
However, yhe new Commissioner for Local Government and Chiefancy Affairs, Emmanuel Umar, in a statement, said the process that led to the emergence of Barau was okay.
“In response to the petition, the Governor acted on section 3(2) and 7 of the Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law of Niger State 1989 (as revised) held meetings with the Kingmakers and also consulted the State Council of Chiefs.
“The Kingmakers during their interaction with the Governor affirmed that the selection followed the Customary Law of Kontagora Emirate and their decision was based on their own conviction without any undue influence.
“The appointment of the new Emir is in line with the powers vested in the Governor under section 3 subsection (1) of the Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law Chapter 19, Law of Niger State 1989 (as revised) and all other powers enabling him in that behalf has accepted the selection of and appointed Mohammed Barau Kontagora as the 7th Emir (Sarkin Sudan) of Kontagora Emirate.
“The selection was done by the Kingmakers of the Kontagora Emirate in line with the Customary Laws and Practice of the Kontagora Emirate,” Umar’s statement said.
Nevertheless, while presenting the letter of appointment to Barau, Umar reminded the Emir of the task ahead, noting that he his ascending the throne of his ancestors at a difficult time going by the insecurity bedeviling the state including his Emirate.
He however, prayed God to grant him the wisdom to lead his subjects through the right path.
The Governor while thanking the people of Kontagora Emirate for their patience and tolerance throughout the selection processes, urged them to support the new Emir to enable him have a successful reign.
He prayed that Kontagora emirate will blossom in the reign of the new Emir and experience peace growth and development.
“I thank God for the people of Kontagora Emirate who had faith in government and beared with all the processes that led to this occasion.
“Though he is coming at a difficult time, I pray that God will bless his reign, grant peace to the land. During his reign, Kontagora will blossom”, he said.
The new Emir ( Sarkin Sudan) of Kontagora Emirate, Alhaji Mohammed Barau Kontagora appreciated Almighty Allah for choosing him among many to be the 7th Emir of Kontagora Emirate.
The 7th Emir who assured that he will operate an open door policy, called on the people of the Emirate to remain calm promising to move the Emirate forward.
He said he will embark on reconciliation procoess with all that contested with him with the view to making peace and to collectively work for the betterment of the Emirate.
The appointment of the new Emir followed the death of late Mai Sudan, Alhaji Saidu Namaska who died on the 9th of September, 2021 after 47 years on the throne.