The spokesperson of Mamprusi’s in Bawku and Member of Nayiri Legal Team, Dauda Jawara Salifu has disagreed with calls to remove rival chief, Abagre Seidu to restore calm in Bawku.
Jawara Salifu argued that Mr. Seidu is a native of the land; therefore, it is not right for him to be treated as such.
In an interview on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, November 2, he said, “Don’t forget that he is a father, grandfather, head of family, head of clan, and his spiritual and wise guidance is needed by his people. You cannot exile somebody and ask that they don’t come back to their hometown because when they do, there would be some bloodshed.”
This follows comments from the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, who has attributed the ongoing conflict in Bawku, which has resulted in 19 deaths, to the presence of the rival chief, Seidu Abagre. He believes that locating and removing Mr. Seidu from the area will ease the tension.
Mr. Asamoah Boateng indicated that anyone whose presence fuels instability, regardless of their identity, should be made to leave the area.
Mr. Salifu noted that he expected the factions in the conflict would exercise restraint and allow the legal process to proceed.
He added that he did not anticipate the return of Mr. Seidu to Bawku would create mayhem.
Mr. Salifu further questioned the claims of illegality regarding Mr. Seidu’s enskinment. According to him, Mr. Seidu was enskinned by a Nayiri, who is the kingmaker of Bawku, adding that Mr. Seidu was just a beneficiary.
He added, “When you go to the Constitution, Article 277, it clearly states how someone becomes a chief. Nobody has said that Seidu does not hail from Bawku, a royal lineage, and that his enskinment was not done according to the custom of the Mamprusi.
“So when people say that there was an illegality, does it mean that it did not comply with Article 277 or any other provision under the Chieftaincy Act?”
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