By Mike Odeh James
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has commended the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, for his historic decision to create 13 new Emirates and the Zaar (Sayawa) Chiefdom, describing the move as “courageous” and “landmark.”
In a statement released on Tuesday, MBF spokesman Luka Binniyat said the creation of the Zaar Chiefdom ends a century-long struggle by the Zaar people for recognition, freedom, and preservation of their cultural identity. “For generations, the Zaar sought to have their unique identity, traditions, and leadership structure officially acknowledged,” the statement noted.
Binniyat recalled that during the colonial era, the British authorities placed the Zaar under the Fulani Bauchi Emirate for administrative convenience, despite the people never being conquered or converted by Kanuri or Fulani jihadists. This historical arrangement, he said, led to marginalization and occasional conflicts.
Governor Bala Mohammed’s approval of the Zaar Chiefdom and the 13 new Emirates, Binniyat said, represents “an act of justice, fairness, and statesmanship,” restoring dignity to communities that had long yearned for equitable recognition.
The MBF extended congratulations to Brigadier-General Marcus Kokko Yake (rtd), the first Gung-Zaar, urging Zaar sons and daughters to support their new traditional ruler in fostering unity, peace, and progress.
The Forum also celebrated the creation of independent Emirates for other indigenous communities in Bauchi State and the appointment of their new Emirs, including:
Emir of Duguri – Alhaji Adamu Mohammed
Emir of Bununu – Alhaji Jibrin D. Hassan
Emir of Toro – Alhaji Adamu Umar
Emir of Lame – Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame
Emir of Ari – Alhaji Muhammad Kilishi Musa
Emir of Burra – Alhaji Ya’u Shehu Abubakar
Emir of Warji – Alhaji Ibrahim Samaila Boyi
In Kaduna State, the MBF also congratulated His Royal Highness Mr. Sunday Bature Likoro on his appointment as the new Agwam Ikulu III of the Ikulu Nation in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area. Binniyat praised Governor Uba Sani for ensuring a “peaceful and seamless transition of leadership,” noting that HRH Likoro’s experience and knowledge of his people would promote unity, peace, and development.
The MBF concluded by urging all communities involved to rally behind their leaders and work together for sustainable peace and progress in the Middle Belt region.
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