Yobe Governor Explains Suspension Of Emir Of Machina’s Brother As LG Chair

Yobe Governor Explains Suspension Of Emir Of Machina’s Brother As LG Chair

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has taken decisive action by suspending Hon. Idrissa Mai Bukar Machina, Chairman of Machina Local Government Council, citing alleged acts of misconduct and insubordination. This suspension followed the recent swearing-in of local government chairmen, including Machina, who won their elections on June 8……. CONTINUE READING 

Sources within the government, speaking to Daily Trust, revealed that Machina’s suspension stemmed from his refusal to comply with Governor Buni’s directive. The directive mandated all newly elected local government chairmen to oversee the swearing-in ceremonies of their vice chairmen, local government secretaries, and councillors within their respective jurisdictions. Machina’s failure to adhere to this directive reportedly sparked a significant dispute.

The political atmosphere in Machina was described as deeply factionalized, with two prominent groups vying for control and influence. This factionalism was further complicated by the involvement of influential local figures such as Bashir Machina and the Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Hon. Barma Shattima. The conflict over local appointments and adherence to state directives has intensified these divisions.

Local government officials emphasized that Machina’s suspension serves as a stern reminder to others about the importance of loyalty and compliance with directives from state authorities.

Explaining the situation, one source stated, “The faction led by Barma Shattima recommended the Vice Chairman for the Local Government, while Bashir Machina’s faction nominated the Local Government Secretary. However, when the secretary was sworn in, Barma Shattima’s faction rejected this choice, insisting that the LG chairman should be aligned with former SSG Babagwani Machina, an ally of Bashir Machina, thereby opposing Bashir Machina’s appointment of the secretary.”

During Governor Buni’s absence in Saudi Arabia, Deputy Governor Idi Barde Gubana directed Machina to halt the swearing-in of the secretary, but Machina reportedly refused. This defiance played a pivotal role in his subsequent suspension, according to the source.

When approached for comment on the allegations against him, the suspended LG chairman responded, “I have handed over the affairs of the local government council to the vice chairman. In politics, challenges are inevitable. Whether my suspension is political or not, we respect the decision of the state government and remain committed to following its directives.”

Governor Buni’s office has not yet issued an official statement regarding Machina’s suspension or the ongoing internal political dynamics within Machina Local Government.