By Baba Adamu Waziri
The controversy over the location of headquarters of the newly created Arak Chiefdom, out of Gwantu Chiefdom, in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State has been put to rest, following decision of the government to name Gbunkok – former headquarters of Old Arak District, as headquarters of the new Chiefdom.
The decision was announced on Friday (1st/April/2022), during a meeting involving stakeholders of the new Arak and Gwantu chiefdoms, convened by the Kaduna State Ministry of Local Government Affairs and chaired by the Director Chieftaincy, Sani Galadima, at Gwantu local government secretariat.
Galadima also explained to the stakeho lders modalities and guidelines to be followed in constituting structures of the chiefdoms.
He disclosed that any person wishing to contest for the seat of a Chief and Chairman of Council of any traditional institution must possess a degree or above and must be conversant with the tradition and customs of the people.
On the part of king makers, Galadima also explained that one must be from within the chiefdom, must be of proven integrity and has not been found guilty of any offence.
Other requirements of a king maker include the fact that he must not aspire to the throne of the Chief in the event where the stool becomes vacant but only receive applications from applicants, screen and submit three names to the Ministry of Local Government for onward submission to the state government.
The Director then disclosed that the Council secretary to the former Gwantu chiefdom, Mr Jibrin S. Kogi has been redeployed to Arak chiefdom to continue to act as Council Secretary pending the appointment of a substantive one.
In his remarks, the Chairman Sanga Local Government Council, Mr Bisalla Mallam appreciated the Kaduna state government under the leadership of Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i for the number of traditional institutions in the area.
The Chairman said the gesture has not only brought government closer to the people but also given them a sense of belonging.