Several vehicles were set ablaze in Misau, Bauchi State, yesterday, as protests greeted the appointment of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ahmed Suleiman, as the new Emir of Misau. Among those whose vehicles were torched, were the new emir and the Wazirin Misau. Governor Mohammed Abubakar yesterday, announced Suleiman, who was appointed SSG on July 3, 2015, as the new monarch of the town following the death of the erstwhile emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Manga III. But the state government’s announcement of Suleiman as the 11th Emir of Misau, to succeed Muhammadu Manga who died on August 17, 2015,has induced crisis in the town . As stated by a press statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Political Affairs, Hashimu Yakubu, the new emir of Misau has held various positions in the state Civil Service, including Principal Private Secretary from 1980-1983. Prior to the announcement, some youths had threatened to embark on a street showdown if Suleiman was appointed. Based on what was gathered, the youths insisted on the appointment of the eldest son of the late monarch, though four of his sons were interested in succeeding their father. Checks revealed that no fewer than 10 contestants were in the race seeking to succeed the late Manga. Apart from the SSG, others were, Aliyu Mohammed Manga, Ahmadu Ahmadu, Ahmed Mohammed Manga, Turaki Mohammed Manga, Sabo Aliyu Ahmed, Waziri Mohammed Manga, Magaji Mohammed Manga and Bappah Mohammed Manga. The kingmakers were said to have submitted a list of three persons to the state governor and he chose Suleiman. Few days to the announcement, youths had blocked the major streets of Misau, to register their support for the late emir’s son, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Manga. Yesterday’s announcement of Suleiman led to riots and consequent burning of vehicles as residents alleged that due process was not followed by the state government, to ensure the appointment of a successor from the immediate family of the late emir in line with the tradition and customs of the people. One of the protesters stated that the government’s interference in the replacement of the late emir was for political interest and insisted that it should be reversed. There was no official response from the state government at the time of filing this report because most of the government officials were said to have relocated to Abuja shortly after the swearing in of the new Chef Judge of the state. Though security agencies brought the situation under control, there was still palpable tension in Misau.
