Welcoming the new Emir of Gwandu
Alhaji Muhammadu Jega

Shortly after the 19th Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Mustapha Haruna Jokolo, was deposed on the 4th of June 2005, a new emir in the person of Retired Major General. Muhammadu Jega was named as his succesor. Ten years ago, Gen. Jega along with the deposed emir and Dr Bello Haliru Muhammed had a fierce contest over the vacant stool before the eventual emergence of Mustapha Haruna Jokolo. A man variously described as arrogant and controversial, the former emir had a running battle with the authorities at both the state and national levels before his eventual deposition.
While justifying his dethronement, the government of Kebbi State under whose domain the Gwandu Emirate is, listed some misdemeanors that cost the former Emir his royal job. They are insubordination, absence from duty post, disrespect for constituted authorities, unguarded and inflammatory utterances.
Besides his dethronement, there are concerns about the government’s handling of the whole affair. As if there was a deliberate attempt to rubbish his person, the first few days after his dethronement were characterized by uncertainties. First the government seemed undecided as to where he should be banished to or what is commensurate punishment for his ‘misdeeds’. While members of the public were kept guessing, there were reports of his being taken to Lafia and Keffi before he was finally taken to Obi, a rural community of Nassarawa State without basic amenities like electricity and water.
Going by what has happened so far it is not difficult to conclude that the government seems to be on a vendetta mission against Mustapha Jokolo who at one time or the other had criticized the government for its insincerity on many issues, the last being the lopsidedness in the composition of the ongoing National Political Reform Conference
With that last straw Mustapha Jokolo must have drawn the ire of government and therefore walked straight into its well laid trap, thereby creating an opportunity for the governor to settle scores with him once and for all. On this note, we wish to tell the new emir to thread carefully in his relationship with the government and or its representative. General Muhammadu was a former military governor and has held several command positions in the army. His leadership qualities are therefore not in question. We however urge him to resist the temptation to hobnob with the government in the course of doing his job. He should guard his utterances especially on political issues. As representatives of the people and symbols of their religion, emirs should be above board in deeds and words. They should provide the moral leadership for emulation. This is the only way that, at least, the institution can be preserved against pressures from all corners especially the government.
It is important to note too that though the institution has endured, it is still subordinated to the constitution and indeed the whims and caprices of the government of the day. Therefore any emir worth his stool should endeavour to strike a balance in his loyalty to the constitution and its representatives and the people and Islam. The task before Gen. Muhammadu Jega, the new emir of Gwandu is to maintain this delicate balance, while not losing sight of the fact that as an Islamic leader his behaviour should reflect the tenents of the religion which are embedded in faith, piety, honesty, truthfulness, humility, justice to all and fear of Allah. We expect no less of the new emir.