The Zamfara State Government has suspended the Emir of Birnin Yandoto, of Tsafe local government area, Aliyu Marafa, for conferring a chieftaincy title to a ‘notorious bandit leader’.
The Secretary to the State Government, Kabiru Sardauna, announced the suspension in a statement yesterday.
Aliero was turbaned as Sarkin Fulani (Chief of Fulani) of ‘Yandoto Emirate by the Emir.
News of the turbaning ceremony along with photos went viral, generating outcry and outrage.
Apart from suspending the emir, Governor Bello Matawalle approved the appointment of a Committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the action of the Emir.
The committee has Yahaya Goro as chairman and Musa Garba as secretary. Members are Yahaya Kanoma, Muhammed Magaji, Lawal Zannah, and Isa Moriki.
In the meantime, Alh. Mahe Garba Marafa, who is the District Head of Yandoto is hereby assigned to take charge of the affairs of the Emirate, the statement said.
Recall that terrorist group leaders and their lieutenants arrived at the venue of the occasion on several motorbikes to celebrate with Aliero during his turbaning on Saturday.
According to a source, the decision to make the bandits leader a chief was aimed at finding lasting peace in Tsafe and the ‘Yandoton Daji Emirates, and other areas that were regularly attacked by Aliero-led gangs.
