By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The Zaar Development Association (ZDA), the apex socio-cultural body representing the Sayawa people
worldwide, has declared that the
creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom is not an attempt to establish a “Christian Chiefdom” but rather, a step towards peaceful coexistence and inclusivity.
The ZDA was reacting to a statement credited to the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) dated December 12, 2024, in which MURIC opposed the creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom in Tafawa Balewa town and threatened to undermine the Governor of Bauchi State, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and the Bauchi State Government.
In a statement by ZDA, signed by Numshi Mailafiya, General Secretary and made available to Journalists in Bauchi Sunday evening, ZDA stated that, “The press release is a collection of misinformation, deceit, threats, and propaganda, as evident from its title. It
raises several points that require clarification and education, particularly for Professor Akintola, its author.”
According to ZDA, “The Professor’s actions are driven by hearsay and fabricated information, aimed at maligning Bauchi State and its
people. It is essential to correct the professor’s misconceptions. The Sayawa community comprises members of various religions, with Christians making up over 85% of the population, followed by Muslims and others.”
It further stated that,”The Bauchi Governor’s decision to establish the Sayawa Chiefdom is a genuine attempt to address historical grievances and create a more inclusive governance structure within the state. The proposed Chiefdom aims to provide a platform for all ethnic and religious groups in the area to work together for the common good.”
“First, it is imperative to state categorically that the Bauchi Governor’s decision to establish the Sayawa
Chiefdom is a step towards peaceful coexistence and not a divisive act as pointed by MURIC and we were
thinking that both MURIC and its Director are equally interested in promoting and protecting peaceful
coexistence in Nigeria and the world or so we assumed as we are now not sure if the Professor and his organization
truly mean well for Nigerians regardless of their religious backgrounds following his release which we are compelled to respond to in order to set the record straight and disabuse the minds of uninformed Nigerians,” It stressed.
The ZDA opined that,”While MURIC has every right to express its opinion in favor of a particular religion particularly Islam, we feel it is necessary to provide a more balanced perspective on the issue, especially considering the importance of fostering peace, unity, and understanding in a diverse society like Nigeria and more particularly Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro LGAs of Bauchi State.”
The ZDA added that,”Governor Bala AbdulKadir Muhammad’s decision to establish the Sayawa Chiefdom is a genuine attempt to address historical grievances and create a more inclusive governance structure within Bauchi State. This move is not intended to marginalize any group but rather to provide a balance to the traditional structure of the state.”
It explained that, “Currently, there are six Emirates in Bauchi State, but despite the Sayawa’s and their neighbors having a higher population and a long history of advocating for a Chiefdom, none has been granted until now. The
establishment of the Sayawa Chiefdom will provide a balance to the traditional structure of the state, similar to other states in Nigeria such as Kaduna, Gombe, Adamawa, and Nasarawa, which have both Emirates and
Chiefdoms representing different religious groups.”
“In fact, Governor Bala Mohammed has reiterated his commitment to actualizing the Zaar Sayawa Chiefdom for
peaceful coexistence, stating that the Government has done over 70% of the necessary work for its actualization. The Chiefdom is expected to be established within six months, with its headquarters in Tafawa Balewa town,” It stressed.
According to ZDA,”The creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom is a positive step towards inclusivity and cultural recognition, and it is essential to recognize that this move is not intended to create division but rather to promote peaceful coexistence among different ethnic and religious groups in Bauchi State.”
It added that,”The Professor shot himself on the foot when he thought he was speaking only for Muslims not knowing that there are Sayawa Muslims and non Sayawa Muslims in Tafawa Balewa who are much more in support of the establishment of the Chiefdom and are very disappointed by his vitriol and misplaced opposition.”
It added that,”Matter of fact, even non Sayawa Muslims of Tafawa Balewa, like Prof. Salisu Shehu (Walin Tafawa Balewa) have long conceded that the Chiefdom be created. One may wonder which of the Muslims the Professor seemed to be fighting on their behalf. Obviously he seems to be acting as a busy body that he has constituted himself to be.”
“Contrary to the claims made by MURIC, the Governor’s declaration does not imply the establishment of a
religiously exclusive or discriminatory institution. The proposed Sayawa (not Christian) Chiefdom is meant to
cater for the administrative and traditional needs of the Sayawa people and other neighboring ethnic groups
regardless of their religions within Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro LGAs of the State, not to create division,” It stressed.
ZDA concluded that,”It’s ridiculous and very silly of the Prof to base the contents of his press release on mere hearsay without verification whatsoever, or perhaps the prof in his usual character intended to ridicule and dent the good image and reputation of both the Governor of Bauchi State and the House of Assembly of the State when he mentioned that “the Bill only recognize a Christian to be appointed as a Chief”.
“Professor Akintola is hereby
demanded as an intellectual to refer members of the public to the particular section of the Bill (Law) that made
the provision he stated above. Even his topic smacks of obvious mischief and attempt to whip up religious
sentiment,” It added.