Concerns mount in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital over the delay in the appointment of new Maigari.
THEANALYSTNG reports that since the transition of late Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Kabir Maikarfi 111, OON, in September last year,the process for the appointment of new one has not been concluded several months ago by the Lokoja traditional kingmakers.
The inability of the Kogi State government to announce new monarch after the transition of the last occupant of the stool has generated concerns among the residents of the community, especially with the eidil- fitir in commemoration of the conclusion of Ramadan fast
According to a reliable source,this is the first time since 1916. that Lokoja community observed Ramadan and possibly Eidil-fitir without a paramount ruler,which according to our source is viewed as a abomination and desecration of the sanctity of Lokoja and the community.
Though sources close to the Lokoja traditional council and the Maigari palace revealed that the kingmakers have screened the candidates and since forwarded to the authority concern for approval,months after thing is done.
A resident, and of the traditional title holder, Alhaji Musa Usman, who spoke to our Reporter, described the delay in the selection process as a source of concern for residents.
Usman who expressed worry over the inability to have a new Maigari of Lokoja seven months after the demise of the late monarch lamented that; “it is unusual for the people of Lokoja to celebrate Sallah without a Maigari who communities pay homage to during the festival.
He said, “ Everything is in the hands of Governor Yahaya Bello. He is the one delaying it.
“The governor should rise to the occasion. Like he found solution to the quagmire over Atta Igala succession dispute using his sagacity and forbearance, let him apply the same to Maigariship tussle in Lokoja so we can move forward”.
Meanwhile, a source from the Maigari palace told National Watch that everything was being determined by the kingmakers and the state government.
He said, “The process is still on. It’s not being delayed at all. Or do you think the vacant stool of Maigari is a stool of Hakimi? We are talking of a stool occupied by a the Chairman, Lokoja Traditional Council. It is on the table of the kingmakers and the government now”.
Another resident, Dauda Jibril Momoh while speaking, called on the kingmakers to complete the selection process quickly.
“The residents are worried. We don’t want the situation to be too long. We are waiting for the announcement of the new Maigari of Lokoja. We want the people involved to expedite action”.
Mr Abraham Isaac, in his own contributions recall that during the last year Easter celebration they paid homage to the Maigari of Lokoja.
” Every Easter celebration we always pay homage to Maigari of Lokoja as a detribalised leader ,who believe in peaceful- coexistence among adherence of different religions.
We want appeal to the authority concern to expedite action by announcing the new Maigari of Lokoja “Abraham pleaded.
