Abuja — Six persons have so far indicated interest to vie for the Wase emirship seat, which became vacant with the death of Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi Maikano, the former emir last Friday.

They include, Alhaji Ahmed Abdullahi, a manager with First Bank in Jos, Alhaji Husseini Abdullahi the Madakin Wase, Alhaji Abdullahi Kabiru Magaji, Magajin Garin Wase, Alhaji Sani Abubakar, a Permanent Secretary in the Plateau State civil service and two sons of the late emir, Mohammed Haruna Sambo and Abdullahi Haruna.

Our correspondent reports that the process for the selection of the emir has been well established in the over 200 years of the existence of the stool.

A member of the royal family, who prefers not to be named, said the kingmakers are seven in number and that their decision is final.

He said the Galadima, who presided over the meeting of the kingmakers and acted as emir until a new emir is installed is the one empowered to announce the new emir.

The source said those interested in vying for the position usually go through the Madaki, who relays the information to the Galadima and other kingmakers.

He said the process of election had always been peaceful and without rancor as the kingmakers were few and the selection was done under a peaceful atmosphere.

Our correspondent learnt that the controversy generated over the rumor that the son of the late emir had been tipped by one of the powerful emirs in the North-central region to succeed his father has been sorted out as the emir in question had written to the Wase Emirate to debunk the rumour. There are indications that more people will indicate interest in the seat.

The late Emir, Dr. Haruna Abdullahi Maikano, was nominated three months after the death of his father in September 2001 and was not confirmed until a year later.