Community protests Yola North chair’s suspension

By Ibrahim Abdul’Aziz

Yola

Jimeta Progressive Association (JIPA) yesterday protested the continuous closure of Yola North council secretariat and suspension of its chairman, Mahmoud Abba, for alleged misconduct.
Blueprint learnt that as the residents gathered at the Old Palace Hotel near Yola North secretariat for the protest, some hired youth led by an ex-convict, reportedly stormed the area, brandishing weapons and throwing the people into confusion.
It could be recalled that the elected chairman of the council, Mahmoud was suspended by the state Assembly, following a petition by some councillors who accused him of misconduct.
However, despite the attack by the hoodlums, the protesters besieged the Assembly, holding placards calling on the state government to restore order to the council, and presented a protest letter to the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr Francis Gbanseso.
Speaking before presenting the letter, spokesman of the community, Usman Ibrahim, said the people were concerned over the continued closure of the secretariat and suspension of the chairman for the past nine months by the Assembly.
Ibrahim alleged that “the Assembly action was prompted by a lawmaker whose attempt to hijack the council was rebuffed by the chairman.
“We also want to register our protest over the recent displacement of over 500 of our community members at the Jimeta modern market whose sites were later allocated to some selected few by some people in government,” Ibrahim said.
He also accused some top government officials and the lawmaker representing Yola North, Suleiman Alkali, of impunity over the political turmoil in the council and lamented that in the whole country, it was only Yola North that has been shut for selfish and personal interest.

 

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