Court Reinstates Deposed Emir of Gwandu Jokolo

Kebbi State High Court V1 presided over by Justice Abbas Ahman, Thursday ordered the reinstatement of the dethroned Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Mustapha Haruna Jokolo.Jokolo, who was dethroned in 2005, has been challenging his dethronement in the court in the past eight years, saying it was an abuse of privilege which did not comply with due process and an outright disregard for his fundamental human right as a citizen of Nigeria.

The trial has persisted for nine years now, but judgment came the way of the former Emir, Al-Mustapha Jokolo, as the judge ruled for his reinstatement as Emir of Gwandu.

In his ruling, Justice Abbas Ahman, said the deposition of Jokolo was contrary to law and that due process was not followed.

He agreed with the submission of the deposed Emir and declared the appointment of incumbent Emir Alhaji Iliyasu Bashir, as null and void and ordered Jokolo's reinstatement forthwith as the Emir of Gwandu.

THISDAY gathered that the judgment elicited jubilation along Ahmadu Bello Way, Emir Haruna and many major roads in the state capital and in Gwandu town.

Though Jokolo was not in the court during the judgment his counsel, Mr. Sylvester Imanoibe, expressed satisfaction with the judgment.

However, in a swift reaction to the judgment, the Secretary to the Kebbi State Government (SSG), Alhaji Rabiu Garba Kamba, who spoke to newsmen on behalf of the state government which was joined in the suit along with the 20th Emir of Gwandu, appealed to the people of Gwandu Emirate and those in the state to remain calm.

Source: ThisDay