19th September, 2021
Kingmakers in Niger State are set to enthrone the seventh Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora.
The announcement was made in a list of 47 contestants signed by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Alhaji Shehu Yusuf Galadima on Saturday.
The Emir of Kontagora Alhaji Saidu Umaru Namaska was announced dead on Thursday, September 10.
The 84-year-old monarch reportedly died at an Abuja hospital.
Speaking on the process of electing the new Emir, the electoral Chairman assured citizens of the emirate of a free, fair and credible election.
“We are prayerful, we are resolute and determined to make sure that the election will be historical in the emirate and we have made it a task to ourselves to be just, following the principles guiding the election process and to make sure that there is no favouritism and that we did the right thing.”
He said the exercise would commence in earnest, adding that all stakeholders are expected to be at the palace.
“All the contenders have been duly informed and every kingmaker has a specific number of votes to cast.
“Before the election, the citation of each candidate would be read in the presence of those participating in the exercise.
“Almighty Allah has chosen the next 7th Emir; ours is just to comply with the system and procedures to give the qualified candidates level playing ground and fair play,” Galadima enthused.
Concerns have also emerged over the high number of applicants for the vacant stool.
However, the police in Niger State said they had deployed adequate security in the town to forestall any breakdown of law and order because of various interests.