The Khana Traditional Rulers Council has exonerated its chairman, HRM King Suanu Timothy Baridam, and the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Thomas Bariere, from recent allegations linking both leaders to sponsorship of a criminal group.
The resolution was conveyed in a communique read during a meeting of the traditional and paramount rulers held in Bori on Friday, July 3, 2026.
It succinctly passed a vote of confidence on the Khana Local Government Chairman, and reaffirmed its loyalty to the leadership of the Chairman of the Khana Traditional Rulers Council.
“The Khana Traditional Rulers Council unanimously passes a vote of confidence on the Executive Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Dr. Thomas Bariere, and reaffirms its confidence in the leadership of the Chairman of the Khana Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King Suanu Timothy Yormaadam Baridam, JP.”
In the communique, the traditional leaders described the allegations as false, malicious, and capable of inciting unrest in Khana Local Government Area, stressing that they lacked any factual basis but aimed at tarnishing the reputations of the traditional ruler and the local government chairman.
The monarchs commended Thomas Bariere for his commitment to promoting peace, security and development across Khana LGA through regular engagements with traditional rulers, security agencies, youth leaders, and other community stakeholders.
The communique also condemned both the publication and broadcast of the allegations, insisting that they were deliberately designed to mislead the public, discredit targeted personalities, and create unnecessary tension in the area.
“The allegations linking Dr. Thomas Bariere Ariar and HRM King Suanu Timothy Yormaadam Baridam to any criminal group are false, malicious, baseless and intended to incite unrest in Khana,” the communiqué added.
The statement also required the management of Rhythm 93.7 FM to withdraw any broadcast that gave publicity to the allegations, including the readiness to reveal the identity of those who sponsored the programme.
“We demand that Rhythm 93.7 FM retract the broadcast within 14 days and disclose the identity of those behind the programme. Failure to comply will leave the council with no option but to seek legal redress,” the rulers declared.
Furthermore, the resolution urged residents of Khana LGA to disregard misinformation capable of threatening public peace and to embrace lawful means of addressing grievances.
It also called on security agencies to investigate individuals responsible for spreading false information capable of disrupting the peace and stability of the area, reaffirming the traditional institution’s commitment to promoting
justice and unity in all communities.