Gonto Anniversary: Bauchi police ignores Dogara’s petition to cancel event, deploys men for peacekeeping
By Ugo Ojor
The Bauchi Police Command has approved the celebration of the 21st anniversary of Seyawa late leader, Baba Peter Gonto despite calls for cancellation of the event by former Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and some youth groups.
It was learned that Hon Dogara allegedly petitioned the Inspector General of Police citing possible security breach in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro local government areas if the celebration of the late leader is allowed to hold.
However, following submission of notification of the event to the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi Command, CP Mamman Sanda, the police has given approval for the programme to hold on Friday.
Police spokesman, SP Ahmed Wakil told Vanguard on Wednesday that the police has ordered full deployment of its tactical teams to provide security to lives and properties before, during and after the event.
“Sequel to the letter of notification sent by the ZAAR community to the Commissioner of Police Bauchi State Command to celebrate the 21st anniversary in honor of Late Baba Peter Gonto scheduled to hold on 30th and 31st December, 2021 at Bogoro township, the Commissioner of Police, CP UMAR MAMMAN SANDA fdc, psc, mnim, has ordered the full deployment of Police tactical teams to provide security to lives and properties before, during and after the event.
“He consequently ordered officers and men of the Command to intensify efforts in resisting and curtailing any act of lawlessness, oppression or intimidation from any group of persons and warned officers to be professional while discharging their duties.
“The Command therefore wishes to urge law abiding citizens of the state particularly, the people of Bogoro/ Tafawa Balewa local government areas not to panic but go about their normal businesses and stay away from all forms of crime and criminality,” he said.
Meanwhile, in support of Dogara, a youth group, Mwari Youth Development Association (MWAYODA) has dissociating itself from the programme on grounds that everyone was not carried along.
Leader of the group, Zakka Farouk called on the Bauchi State Government and all relevant security agencies to maintain law and order to ensure that peace reigns in his community.
His words: “It has become imperative for us to address the world and to make the record straight about our position regarding the preparation of the said ‘Baba Gonto 21st Memorial Anniversary’ which is scheduled to take place on 31st December, 2021.
“On the invitation card, one will notice that many prominent names of Zaar sons and daughters are missing. Notable of all, is the deliberate refusal to recognise the most important figure in the land, the Paramount Ruler of our people, Gung Zaar Select and his council.
“One will be right to say this event is aimed at creating problem and more disunity among ourselves, and if not properly handled, it will create chaos and insecurity.
“Baba Gonto lived his life and died in anticipation of a Zaar chiefdom under a united family. Baba Gonto was a man of the the people. He was for all and he’ll continue to be for all even in death. In a situation where a deliberate attempt is made to create disharmony among our people, Baba Gonto wouldn’t have accepted such disuniting gesture.”
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