His Highness Jonathan Paragua Zamuna, the traditional ruler of the Piriga Chiefdom, and His Highness General Aliyu Iliyah Yammah (retired), the traditional ruler of the Arak Chiefdom, have both been authorized for removal by Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement released on Monday, the state’s commissioner for local government, Hajiya Umma Ahmad, said that the two traditional chieftains would vacate their positions as of the 22nd of May 2023.
In accordance with Section 11 of the Traditional Institutions Law No. 21 of 2021, the commissioner further stated that the depositions were conducted in accordance with suggestions made by the Ministry of Local Government.
According to the commissioner, “the District Head of Garun Kurama, Babangida Sule, will oversee the affairs of Piriga Chiefdom, pending the appointment of a new chief, while the Council Secretary has been directed to initiate the process for the appointment of a new Chief.
“Gomna Ahmadu, the Council Secretary of Arak Chiefdom, will oversee the affairs of the chiefdom and also initiate the process for the appointment of a new Chief.”
According to the statement, “the government found unacceptable the response of General Iliyah Yammah to the query regarding his appointment of four district heads, contrary to the one approved for his chiefdom, and his non-residence within Arak chiefdom.
“The deposition of Jonathan Zamuna follows the recent communal clashes between the Gure and Kitimi communities of Piriga chiefdom in Lere LGA, and his non-residence within the chiefdom.”
The statement also announced the immediate disengagement of the village heads of Aban, Abujan Mada and Anjil in Arak Chiefdom.