The Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, on Thursday, reiterated his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law by reinstating the dethroned paramount Chief of Piriga in Lere Local Government Area of the state, Chief Jonathan Zamuna.
Chief Jonathan Zamuna, was dethroned by the immediate-past Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i on May 22, 2023, a few days before handing over to the current administration.
However, the National Industrial Court, Kaduna, presided over by Justice Bashar Alkali declared the removal and deposition of Chief Zamuna from office as the Chief of Piriga Chiefdom, as irregular, unfair, null and unconditional and contrary to good conscience.
The court granted an order restoring Zamuna as the Chief of Piriga Chiefdom – with all his salaries, allowances, entitlements and benefits of the office – within 30 days.
The governor, who described traditional rulers as “stabilizing force” in the state, made the announcement at a meeting with the Kaduna State Council of Chiefs held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna.
According to him, the traditional institution remains the backbone of any government as a result of their closeness to the people of the grassroots.
He said, “I am most honoured to welcome you today, our royal fathers and custodians of our culture. Let me start by conveying my deepest sympathies to the Kaduna State Council of Chiefs over the death of Malam Tagwai Sambo, the Chief of Moroa. He was a highly respected father and a leader of immense value. May Almighty God grant him eternal rest.
“The Traditional Institution has remained a stabilizing force in our communities and in the state as a whole. The Traditional Institution has shown resilience in the face of modernity. Because of your closeness to the people, it is in the interest of governments at all levels to treat you with respect and work closely with you to deepen participation in governance and secure our communities.
“One of the key pillars of our Governance Agenda is Nurturing Citizens’ Engagement. We want to effectively involve our citizens in the decision-making processes.
“Traditional Rulers are not only critical stakeholders, but key influencers that must be accorded all the attention and respect deserving of their exalted position.
“I want to remind you with every sense of humility, that I am a democrat and a respecter of the rule of law. I also know too well how traditional values have shaped our state for the better.”
The governor added, “Let me recall that even during my days as an activist, I had a respectable and healthy relationship with the traditional institution. On the strength of these, I want to say that all our traditional rulers, from all parts of the State, are our royal fathers, and we hold you all in high esteem.
“In our one year in office, we have carried critical stakeholders along in our strategic objectives, and this includes key engagements with our traditional institution. Therefore our doors remain wide open for our continued interaction on issues of development and security of our State.
“Furthermore, as proof of my commitment to the rule of law, I want to make known to you our intention to comply fully with the judgment of the court, issued on 10th June 2024, restoring the Chief of Piriga, in Lere LGA, His Royal Highness, Jonathan Zamuna to his stool.”
He stated that leadership remains the cornerstone for effectively addressing all of the challenges confronting Nigeria.