Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has reinstated Mr Jonathan Paragua Zamuna as the substantive Chief of Piriga Chiefdom in the Lere local government, in compliance with the judgement delivered by the Industrial Court in Kaduna.
The monarch was sacked by the administration of Governor Nasir El-Rufai a few days before the end of the tenure following the recommendations from the state Ministry of Local Government Affairs which relied on section 11 of the Traditional Institutions Law No 21 of 2021.
Not satisfied with his removal, the embattled chief approached the National Industrial Court for redress.
On June 14, 2024, the court nullified the removal and deposition of Zamuna as Chief of Piriga and stated that the action “is null and void.’’
It also issued an order restoring the claimant to his appointment and office as the Chief of Piriga Chiefdom with all his salaries, allowances and entitlements and benefits of the office thereof.
However, speaking at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Wednesday before handing Zamuna his appointment letter, Governor Sani said that his administration believes in the rule of law, due process and justice.
Governor Sani, who congratulated the new Chief on his reinstatement, advised him to treat all the people in his Chiefdom equally, without ethno-religious discrimination.
According to the Governor, his administration gives equal opportunities to all citizens and he urged Chief Zamuna to follow suit, adding that it is the will of God to have created people differently but placed them in the same geographic location.
‘’I am sure you have had time to reflect on the past. Lessons from the past help in strengthening us and making us better leaders. You now have a unique opportunity to serve your people with dedication, courage and compassion,’’ he added.
Posing rhetorical questions, he asked whether ‘’our actions fostered peace and understanding or deepened divisions in our State? Going forward, what must we as individuals, leaders or groups do to sustain the prevailing peace in Kaduna State?’’
‘’Our administration stands for the rule of law, due process and justice. That is why we did not waste time in complying with the judgement of the Kaduna State Industrial Court on the reinstatement of the Chief of Piriga Chiefdom,’’ he said.
Responding, the Chief of Piriga thanked Governor Sani for reinstating him to his throne, adding that there are 12 ethnic nationalities in his Chiefdom and they are all living in peace.
