By Lola Seriki-Idahosa..Tracereporters –A sociocultural pressure group of the Tangale speaking people of Billiri LGA in Gombe State living abroad, Tangale Community Overseas, have said that they will never recognize Malam Danladi Maishanu as Mai Tangle.
A Gombe State High Court had in early December, 2022 ruled in favour of Malam Danladi Maishanu after Dr Musa Maiyamba had challenged the declaration of Danladi as the new Mai Tangle in early 2021.
In a press release made available to Tracereporters with title “Trust but Verify” by the Tangale Community Overseas and signed by Lamela Umaru Lakorok, General Secretary.
The statement said “will disassociate with any so-called Tangale person who derides our customs and tradition in this regard. We must all be wary of the little yeast before it works through the whole batch of dough in our land.
Continue, “We continue to appeal to the Tangale people to be patient and trust in the supreme justice of God, who shall judge the living and the dead, as our two major religions teach. We will never recognize Mallam Danladi as Mai Tangle,
“We must remain vigilant and be aware of the spies who lurk among us. If you see any suspicious persons, speak up. You may save lives by communicating any unusual activities you notice. It is better to err on the side of caution. While we are welcoming people, we do not want to be naïve. Therefore, “trust but verify” will be our adopted principle in security and politics.
Below is the full text of the press release
“TRUST BUT VERIFY”: A PRESS RELEASE BY THE TANGALE COMMUNITY OVERSEAS
Ladies and gentlemen of the press, we salute your tenacity in your desire to maintain the freedom of the media to disseminate information. Thank you. Before we address the current issues affecting our community, we first pause to commiserate with our brothers and sisters in the death of Mai Banganje. He was a gallant leader who held to his principles and integrity in the face of political pressures. May he rest well from the afflictions of an evil world. We each will follow in our times. May we remain mindful of the brevity of life and seek to do good while we live. Also, may the season of hope remind us of our hope of reunion on the last day.
The recent unprovoked attack on the unsuspecting people of Amtawalam and Pobawure is quite unfortunate. The wanton destruction of human life, property, and livestock theft have become commonplace in our beloved country. We decry the lawlessness in Nigeria, a situation whereby Fulani invaders have a free ride over native farmers all over the country. While we do not blame anyone for inciting the crimes, we hold the government accountable for the citizenry’s security. Gov. Inuwa Yahaya has spoken about the security situation as well as he could and publicly acknowledged that the state is incapable of fighting the Fulani marauders, who seem invincible. Nevertheless, we appeal to the Gombe state government to support local communities in developing and training local vigilante to provide community security. We also call on all communities beyond the Tangale nation to wake up and protect their property and lives.
We are not surprised about the recent verdict over the Mai Tangle stool from Justice Abdullahi. There is no distinction between the legislature, judiciary, and executive in Gombe state. First, the Legislators that made the so-called Gombe state chieftaincy law have not come out once to clarify the intent of the law even after they saw the governor abuse it concerning the Mai Tangle stool. They crafted the law that says the governor is to approve the appointment of an Emir or Chief on the recommendation of the council of traditional kingmakers of the emirate or chiefdom (see GSCL VI.20.1). Yet, when the Tangale traditional kingmakers made the selection, the governor ignored it and imposed a puppet instead. The fact that no member of the legislative assembly has made a motion to clarify the law, given the crisis it has caused in Tangale land, makes us wonder if the legislature is a rubber stamp or conspiring with the governor. We thank the Judge for acknowledging the credibility of our case, but we encourage the judiciary to communicate and challenge the legislature to provide clarity in the said law.
Nevertheless, our resolve remains to appeal the case until justice comes to the Tangale nation. We maintain our stance that we will not let anyone usurp the role of our kingmakers either by bribery or by force. Soon, we will have the opportunity to speak loudly and clearly to all politicians. We are aware of the complex nature of politics. We will not dictate how anyone should vote in the coming elections or party affiliations. It is good that we can have the freedom to follow our political dreams. However, we caution everyone to think beyond the here and now and think of the community and the future of Tangale. In a democracy, even as frail as we have, the elected officials must hear the people’s voice. If you do not participate in the electoral process, you cannot complain or blame those who do. May you use reason and critical thinking when you choose leaders.
We continue to appeal to the Tangale people to be patient and trust in the supreme justice of God, who shall judge the living and the dead, as our two major religions teach. We will never recognize Mallam Danladi as Mai Tangle and will disassociate with any so-called Tangale person who derides our customs and tradition in this regard. We must all be wary of the little yeast before it works through the whole batch of dough in our land. We must remain vigilant and be aware of the spies who lurk among us. If you see any suspicious persons, speak up. You may save lives by communicating any unusual activities you notice. It is better to err on the side of caution. While we are welcoming people, we do not want to be naïve. Therefore, “trust but verify” will be our adopted principle in security and politics.
As we celebrate Christmas this week, may your days of happiness be long. May you experience peace both within and without. May those who lost loved ones and properties find help and support from fellow citizens. May grace abound in Tangale land and Gombe state as we start a new year.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Long live Tangale nation, long live Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba, long live Gombe state, and long live Nigeria!
Signed:
Lamela Umaru Lakorok
General Secretary,
Tangale Community Overseas
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