Governor Sule Approves Justice Ubangari (Rtd) As New Aren Eggon

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Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has approved the appointment of a former chief judge of the state, Justice Ahmed Ubangari (rtd) as the new Aren Eggon.

Engineer Sule gave the approval shortly after being presented with the report of the committee saddled with the responsibility of conducting the selection of the new Aren Eggon, at the Government House, on Friday.

The Governor emphasized that, the selection of the new Aren Eggon was carried out in line with the strict policy of transparency under his administration.

He disclosed that, out of the 22 kingmakers allowed by law to select the new Aren Eggon, only three qualified to undertake the selection namely the village heads of Wakama,  Wulgo and Aribadu.

“Out of the 22 selectors, only 3 qualified for the selection namely the village heads of Wakama, Wulgo and Aribadu.  In line with my strict policy of transparency, I refused to meet any of them and I have instructed all those seeking this office, about 11 of them, to go and campaign among the three selectors.

“For the first time, they came in here (Government House) today after the election and I used the opportunity to confirm from them whether that is exactly the person they selected. In front of other traditional rulers, they confirmed that that is their selection.

“I asked them if they did that as a result of any kind of influence and they said no. Based on that, I agreed to go ahead and implement the report,” he stated.

Thereafter, Engineer Sule presented the selection of Justice Ahmad Ubangari (rtd) before traditional council of chiefs led by the Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (rtd) for ratification.

” In line with my commitment to be fair, and to approve whatever has been submitted to me, I submit it to you our royal fathers for your comments before I endorse it finally.

“With this, we have finally approved the selection as was done by the three kingmakers and I want, on behalf of the government, to wish the new Aren Eggon a wonderful and successful reign. I pray that he will receive the support of our chairman of the traditional council and the support of all the other members of the council so he will succeed in his new position,” Engineer Sule stated.

Earlier while presenting the report of the selection committee with Mohammed Sani Bala,  Permanent Secretary,  Ministry of Education, and Mohammed Sagir A. Nawani serving as presiding officer and secretary respectively,  Commissioner for Local Government,  Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs,  Hon Yusuf Aliyu Turaki, confirmed that the selection of the new Aren Eggon took place peacefully on May 5th, 2023 and in line with the law provided namely PS Legal Notice No.5 of 1981, the Chief Appointment and Deposition Law Cap No. 20, as well as the Appointment of Aren Eggon Order 1981.

“The presiding officer further confirmed that the exercise was conducted peacefully and Justice Ahmad Ubangari rtd scored 2 votes against one vote scored by Dr. James Angbazo during the ballot.

“Attached are copies of the nomination papers, ballot papers, result sheets, as well as report of the selection exercise.

“In fulfilment of the requirement of Section 7 (1) of the Instrument for the Selection of Aren Eggon, Justice Ahmad Ubangari rtd is deemed to have been dully selected as the new Aren Eggon,” Hon Turaki stated.

He therefore presented the appointment of the new Aren Eggon,  Justice Ahmad Ubangari rtd for approval before the Governor.

The new Aren Eggon succeeds the late HRH Dr. Bala Abaine Angbazo who died in July 2022.