AGroup under the aegis of the Taraba State Youths Advocate For Good Governance, has expressed profound disappointment at the recent actions taken by the Taraba State Government against Alhaji Saleem Iliyasu Goje, popularly known as Dan Mama

The group, in a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Ibrahim Isa Donga and made available to our correspondent in Abuja, “views the orchestrated campaign and the subsequent stripping of Dan Mama of all his traditional titles as not only an unacceptable overreach but also a dangerous precedent that undermines the very principles of justice, fairness, and the encouragement of youth participation in societal development.”

It said Dan Mama, as a young and influential figure, has through his own merit and commitment to his community, earned the recognition and traditional titles bestowed upon him.

“These titles are a testament to his positive contributions and the trust reposed in him by traditional institutions.

“The government’s unilateral decision to revoke these honors, without transparently stating clear, justifiable reasons and without affording him the right to a fair hearing, smacks of a political witch-hunt and executive high-handedness.

“This action sends a deeply discouraging signal to the vibrant and aspiring youths of Taraba State. It essentially tells them that their hard work, community service, and acceptance by traditional institutions can be arbitrarily invalidated by political expediency.

“At a time when the nation is urging its young people to engage in constructive leadership and community development, the Taraba State Government is instead demonstrating a chilling disregard for their achievements,” the statement stressed.

The youths, therefore, demanded transparency from the state government which they said must immediately make public the specific allegations and due process followed that led to the dethronement of Dan Mama, emphasizing that “a democratic government must operate on the rule of law, not on secrecy and arbitrariness.”

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They also called on the government to afford Goje the opportunity to defend himself against any charges in a fair and impartial manner.

The youths added that should the government fail to provide credible evidence of wrongdoing, it should immediately restore all traditional titles to Dan Mama and a public apology.

While also demanding commitment to youth inclusion, they said the government should issue a clear policy statement reaffirming its commitment to encouraging, rather than discouraging, the positive aspirations of Taraba youth.

“Taraba State Youths Advocate For Good Governance will continue to monitor this situation closely. We stand in solidarity with the principles of justice and fair play, and we will not hesitate to mobilize further peaceful actions to ensure that the rights of every citizen, regardless of their status, are protected,” the statement added.