Emir’s Appointment : Iyan Zazzau Drags el-Rufa’i, Zazzau Emirate Kingmakers, New Emir To Court
By Kemje Ben, Kaduna
Sequel to the appointment of Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli as the 19th emir of Zazzau, one of the topmost contenders Alhaji Bashir Aminu (Iyan Zazzau) whom it was gathered emerged top at the processes has challenged the appointment and subsequently dragged Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufa’i, the state attorney general and the Zazzua emirate Kingmakers alongside the newly appointed emir to Kaduna high court.
The Iyan Zazzua filed a suit before the Kaduna State High Court through his counsel Yunus Uztaz Usman seeking the court to remove the newly appointed Emir Bamalli and declare him (Aminu) the 19th Emir of Zazzau.
In the suit, the Iyan Zazzua said, “having scored the highest number of lawful votes cast by the kingmakers and thus selected by the said kingmakers, he has thus acquired vested right to the stool of the Emir of Zazzau from the date of his selection henceforth”.
It would be recalled that, the kingmakers had shortlisted three candidates, with the Iyan Zazzau scoring the highest marks of 89; while Munir Jafaru, Yariman Zazzau and; Aminu Shehu Idris, Turakin Karamin Zazzau scored 87 and 53 marks respectively.
It would be recalled that, Governor El-Rufai jettisoned the initial recommendation of the kingmakers and later ordered a fresh process where 13 princes were screened by the kingmakers including the newly appointed emir Bamalli.
After the kingmakers repeated their recommendation of the initial three princes, Governor El-Rufai thereafter, appointed Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu-Bamalli as the new Emir.
A copy of the suit made available to newsmen in Kaduna has the Iyan Zazzau dragging Governor Nasir El-Rufai; Attorney-General of Kaduna State; Kaduna State Council of Chiefs; Zazzau Emirate Council; Wazirin Zazzau, Ibrahim Aminu; Fagachin Zazzau, Umaru Muhammad; Mohammad Abbas, Makama Karamin Zazzau; Dalhatu Kasimu Imam, Limamin Juma’an Zazzau; Mohammad Sani Aliyu, Limamin Konan Zazzau; Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli to court as 1st, 2nd ,3rd, 4th,5th, 6th, 7th, 8th,9th, and 10th respondents
The suit seeks “An order setting aside the purported appointment of the 10th defendant (Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli) as the Emir of Zazzau;
“A declaration that the plaintiff is still the Emir of Zazzau and is entitled to all rights and privillages pertaining thereto.
“An injunction restraining the 1st ,2nd ,3rd and 4th defendants from acting in the installation of the 10th defendant to the throne of the Emir of Zazzau or presenting to the 10th defendant with the staff of office until the final determination of this suit;
“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants either by themselves, agents, privies, servants or through any person or persons howsoever from treating, presenting or dealing with or installing the 10th defendant as the Emir of Zazzau;
“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the 10th defendant from parading, presenting or styling himself as the Emir of Zazzau or from putting on or wearing any paraphernalia or insignia of the Emir of Zazzau.”
“An order of perpetual injuction restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants from dealing with, treating, presenting, or dealing with installing the 10th defendant as the Emir of Zazzau or handing over to him the staff of office of the Emir of Zazzau.”
