By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The Young Leaders Network (YLN), has expresseed deep concern over the recent suspension of the 2024
Lemb Zaar Festival by the Nigerian Police Force due to ongoing violent clashes among various factions
within the Zaar (Sayawa) community.
The expression was conveyed in a press statement by the Young Leaders Network Group through its Executive Director, Seun Justin Onarinde, made available to Journalists in Bauchi on Thursday.
The statement contained that, “While we acknowledge the security concerns cited by the authorities, we believe that the cancellation of this significant cultural event risks further alienating the Zaar people and undermining the peace, unity, and development of Bauchi State.”
YLN therefore condemned the acts of violence and disharmony that have marred recent meetings between the
different groups, including the Zaar (Sayawa) Development Association (ZDA), the Coalition of Zaar
(Sayawa) Development Association, the Gung Zaar Kingdom, and various branches of the Zaar (Sayawa) Youths Development Association (ZAYODA).
The group stressed that, “These internal disputes, while disheartening, should not be allowed to strip the Zaar people of their cultural heritage, which has been a source of pride and unity for generations.”
“We call on the leadership of these factions to put aside their political differences and personal interests,
and to prioritize the collective good of the Zaar people and the preservation of their rich cultural traditions. The Lemb Zaar Festival, as a celebration of Zaar identity and heritage, plays a critical role in fostering unity, peace, and development within the Sayawa Kingdom and across Bauchi State. Its
suspension could lead to further division and marginalization of the Zaar people,” The group stressed.
According to YLN,”The Importance of Peace, Unity, and Cultural Preservation
The preservation of cultural heritage is not just a matter of tradition; it is vital for the social cohesion and development of any community. The Lemb Zaar Festival provides an opportunity for the Zaar people to
come together, celebrate their history, and reinforce their cultural identity. It is a festival that promotes community ties, social harmony, and the peaceful coexistence of different groups within Bauchi State.”
It further stated that,”YLN believes that peace and security can only be achieved when the community stands united. The
current disharmony threatens to erode the very essence of Zaar culture and tradition, which has always been rooted in peace and solidarity. We urge all factions to return to the table, engage in constructive dialogue, and find common ground in the interest of peace and cultural preservation.”
“A Call for Reconciliation and Forward Planning. We appeal to the leadership of the ZDA, Coalition of ZDA, Gung Zaar Kingdom, and all factions of ZAYODA to forgive past grievances, suspend their internal differences, and work towards the collective good of the Zaar people. The Lemb Zaar Festival should not be a battleground for political supremacy; it should be an avenue for peace, cultural celebration, and unity,” It stressed.
YLN stressed that , it stands ready to support the community in organizing peaceful and harmonious discussions to resolve these issues adding that,”We encourage all groups to embrace the spirit of reconciliation and plan the 2024 Lemb Zaar Festival together. This unified effort will not only restore peace to the Zaar Kingdom but also set a positive example for other communities in Bauchi State.”
On the Role of the Government and Security Agencies, YLN stated that,”We also urge the Bauchi State Government and the Nigerian Police Force to continue their efforts in facilitating peace and security in the region.”
“However, we strongly believe that cancelling the Lemb Zaar Festival entirely is not the solution. We recommend that the authorities work closely with community leaders to ensure that the festival can be celebrated in a safe and secure environment, while maintaining its cultural significance,” It added.
On its osition, YLN stressed that it stands firm in its position that the suspension of the Lemb Zaar Festival is not a solution to the challenges at hand, stressing that,”We believe that promoting dialogue, peaceful negotiation, and forgiveness are the
keys to resolving the current disputes. We urge all parties involved to rise above their political differences and work towards organizing the festival in a manner that reflects the true spirit of unity, peace, and cultural pride.”
YLN assured that it is ready to support any peaceful efforts to resolve these issues, including facilitating dialogues
between the various groups, to ensure that the Lemb Zaar Festival takes place without further disruption.
YLN stressed that,”The preservation of the Zaar people’s cultural heritage is essential to the peace, development, and social cohesion of Bauchi State. We must all work together to safeguard this heritage for future generations.”