Whether fate, destiny, or predestined will, the enthronement of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), His Royal Highness, Prince Bashir E Makama Dabup III as the Mwo-Ywom of Garkawa in Plateau State, Nigeria earlier in January 2024, fits the words of Fred Rogers that “when you think you are at the end of something, you are at the beginning of something else.”

One would wonder if ‘Bash’ as he is fondly called knew that he would continue his reformation mantra from policing to royalty. Certainly, if he performed badly under the Police Service Commission (PSC), it would not have been an easy ride on the journey to the palace. Serving under PSC, Prince Emmanuel oversaw many police reforms that earned him badges to the rank of an AIG so much that if it were possible, the retirement age would have been expanded to make him continue his good deeds in the commission.

As it were, the former Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, seeing the value and development that could be added to the state, appointed the retired AIG as the head of Operation Rainbow in the state. Operation Rainbow is an outfit like the Special Task Force comprising of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and State Security Services.

His excellent performance in the state made the incumbent Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, upon his new administration continue with Bashir as the Coordinator of the outfit. In July last year, Governor Mutfwang at the passing out of 600 personnel of the Plateau State security outfit, appreciated AIG Bashir Dabup Makama (retd.) who alongside other security agencies and chiefs, transformed, tutored and nurtured young operatives to the useful end products in the security service.

Represented by his deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, he said, “From the reports I have received and the parade we witnessed today, there is ample evidence that these soon-to-be gallant security officials have been put through the mills and have come out refined and ready to contribute their quota to the state’s effort to securing lives and property in our dear state.” Praising the efforts of Dabup Makama, Mutfwang stated that the revitalisation of the outfit was timely, coming when the state needed consolidation on the gains of tackling security challenges that had ravaged the state for years.

Having wielded an experience of leadership serving as AIG of Zone XI headquarters in Osogbo and Coordinator of Operation Rainbow in Plateau state, destiny came calling as Bashir Makawa found himself before the kingmakers during the selection process on December 22, 2023, for a new Mwo-Ywom of Garkawa. After a keen contest, having impressed the kingmakers, he was announced by the Plateau State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ephraim Usman who also presented a Letter of appointment to the new king, as a fate of continued leadership for ‘Bash’.

Upon the collection of his appointment letter, Mr. Usman had noted that the selection was done under free and fair process without government interference as Governor Mutfwang has repeatedly said the right to choose the traditional rulers in his state lies with the people of the affected Communities.

Being his ancestral rights, King Makama took up the title Dadup III because his grandfather, Dabup Bongap I was a chief who ruled for 33years. His uncle, Joseph Dabup II also ruled for 36years and passed away last July. Thereby, making the AIG rtd the third generation of the Dabups climbing the throne.

With a primary mandate as the Garkawa Monarch to serve his Garkawa people on second class status, the king did not spend time to live on his mandate of not taking the service for granted rather to ensure the overall development of their people, Mikang LGA and Plateau state in general.

True to his words, Prince Makama has ensured strong and collaborative relationship with the government, maintaining strong ties towards the development of his kingdom. Not only that, he has held stakeholder security meetings with security agencies for the peace of the kingdom.

The Mwo-Ywom of Garkawa since three months in office, has also been organizing empowerment programmes for youth on different skills, higher education, scholarships. Also, programmes on health insurance for old people and young children in Garkawa.

With these achievements in just three months, the voices of the king’s subjects are loud that LONG LIVE THE KING !

CEOAFRICA celebrates the Mwo-Ywom of Garkawa, His Royal Highness, Prince Emmanuel Bashir Makama Dabup, on his birthday today. Congratulations!