LG Chair In Bauchi Refutes Media Report on House Demolition

By Idris Khalid

The Jama’are Local Government Council has refuted an online publication in one of the national dailies indicating tension in Bauchi state following a dispute in court between one Williams Duru and the Executive Chairman of the Council, Hon Sama’ila Yusuf Jarma over alleged demolition of a house belonging to Williams.

A press statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Council Chairman, Adamu Danjumai Sale and made available to newsmen in Bauchi yesterday said, “The attention of the Jama’are local government council was drawn to an online publication in one of the national dailies”.

According to the publication, one Williams Duru, a resident in Jama’are was said to have sued the Executive Chairman of Jama’are local government, Hon Sama’ila Yusuf Jarma in a magistrate court seating in Gamawa local government over demolition of the former’s house. 

Jama’are council said, “It would not to have responded to the malicious publication, but as a responsible people and government, it cannot afford to allow filthy rumour filter out to avoid the general public, especially those outside Jama’are to mistake it for something serious”. 

Mr. Adamu Sale described the publication as fake, malicious, misleading and unprofessional reportage, saying that Jama’are Local Government is peaceful as it has always been, stressing that there isn’t any tension whatsoever as the paper’s report insinuates.

“To set the record straight, even though the case is before a court of law, the said house popularly known as Gidan Kara, was the epicenter of initiating young boys and girls into social vices that no responsible society will condone such acts as alcoholism, sex hawking, drugs and substance abuse among other nefarious activities”

“Following series of complaints received from parents, guardians and the traditional institution over the aforementioned deviant activities taking place in, Duru’s Gidan Kara, the Local Government summoned a meeting of stakeholders namely the Police, DSS, NSCDC, NDLEA, NCS and the Emirate Council from where it was agreed that Mr. Williams Duru be called for a way out of the quagmire”

“After a meeting between the stakeholders and Mr. Duru, it was unanimously resolved that the house be acquired by the LGA and the owner of the house be compensated. After bargaining, Mr. Duru agreed to sale the house at the sum Two Million Naira (2,000, 000.00), the Local Government paid to Williams Duru through his account and he acknowledged receipt of the payment”

These attributes, according to the statement, led to the demolition of the house, after obtaining a court order in the presence of the District Head, DPO, the DSS and all the relevant stakeholders, where Mr. Duru requested that he be given the doors, windows and roofing sheets to which the LGA obliged

The Jama’are Local Government Council therefore expressed surprise that Mr Duru opted to go to court after the amicable resolution of the issue which everyone saw as a win-win outcome. went The Local Government obtained a court order and people were happy with action of the Local Government.

“As an emphasis to the activities of Duru Williams, Mai Gidan Kara in Jama’are include operating commercial sex activities, sales of alcohol and hard drugs and other social vices, these action contradict the culture, religious and values of Jama’are as Local Government and emirate. The Local Government is ready to respect the Magistrate and evidences are available to present before the court”

The statement warned Duru from displaying his stupidity and cowardice on social media as the Local Government will not hesitate to take legal action against him. “The Media that carried the report is also advised to ensure they verify claims and balance their story before publishing”, said the statement.