Emir Of Bauchi To Intervene In Crisis Between NGO, Government Bodies

The Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rulwanu Adamu, says he will intervene in the lingering crisis involving a Bauchi-based NGO and some government institutions.

Adamu made this known on Sunday in Bauchi when members of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Forum (PCRF) led by its Coordinator, Mr Trong Francis, paid him a courtesy call at his palace.

He directed the officials of PCRF to write him formally to enable him prevail on the officials of the State Shariah Commission and two other state government agencies over the differences that exist between them.

The emir, who is also the patron of PCRF, wondered why the NGO was directed by the commission to change its name in spite of the fact that it was officially registered.

He, however, urged members of the NGO to be patient and respect all constituted authorities while the issues were being resolved.

Earlier, Francis had said the organisation was established in 2011 following incessant religious and communal crises in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of the state.

He said the organisation currently has over two million members in all the 20 local government areas of the state.

Francis, who founded the NGO, claimed that the Ministry for Religious Affairs, was planning to take it over inspite of supporting it.

He said, the NGO had on Feb. 18 petitioned Gov. Isa Yuguda, naming the Office of the Director-General on Peace and Reconciliation, Ministry for Religious Affairs and the State Sharia Commission as being involved in the take-over bid.

The coordinator, however, commended the emir for championing the cause of the NGO which he said had trained 2,000 youths in various vocations.

He also commended the state government for allocating N1 million in 2013 to the organisation for office accommodation and furniture.