Bauchi: ZDA Castigates MURIC For Peddling Deceit, Misinformation, Propaganda Over Sayawa Chiefdom
BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – The Zaar Development Association (ZDA), has castigated the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), for its meddlesome interloper role in the affairs of the Bauchi State Government with regards to the creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom for the Sayawa speaking people of Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Areas of the state.
Leader of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola recently called on the Governor Bala Mohammed not to create the Sayawa Chiefdom by citing its headquarters in Tafawa Balewa town, saying that it is a Christian Chiefdom.
But, in its reaction, the Sayawa Sociocultural organization known as Zaar Development Association (ZDA), described the statement credited to Akintola as; “a collection of deceit, threats, misinformation, and outright propaganda” as evident in its title, stressing that it raised several points that require clarification and education, particularly for Professor Akintola, its author.
The Association vehemently condemned MURIC for opposing the creation of Sayawa Chiefdom on the premise of sentiments and religion, and expressed confidence that Governor Mohammed will not be deterred by the cheap blackmails and threats coming from MURIC.
The ZDA further said; “The proposed Chiefdom does not contravene any Constitutional law, and there is no indication that religious discrimination will be institutionalized.
“We, the Sayawa Community world wide is in total support of His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed in his efforts towards establishing the Sayawa Chiefdom”.
In a statement on Sunday, December 15, 2024 by Numshi Mailafiya, Secretary General of the ZDA, stressed that the creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom is a positive and necessary step especially at this pivotal time towards inclusivity, cultural recognition, and the peaceful coexistence of the people of Bauchi State and Nigeria.
It therefore described as unfounded and unsubstantiated, MURIC’s claim that the Bauchi Government’s decision violates Nigeria’s Constitutional provisions on religious freedom, and cautioned MURIC and its leader, to look for another peaceful means of survival rather than merchandising crisis.
ZDA also urged Nigerians and the authorities to hold MURIC responsible should any religious crisis erupts in Sayawa community as a result of its threats, misinformation and propaganda.
It said; “We are fully aware that right in the village where the Prof comes from, there are both Christians and Muslims living together and practicing their religion, traditions and chieftaincy without discrimination and violence, yet he is using his resources to stoke and instigate crisis in our communities here in Bauchi State”.
The ZDA pointedly told the Leader of MURIC that the Sayawa people do not show any form of discrimination among themselves, adding that available records showed that the District Heads, many Village and Hamlet Heads in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro LGAs have been Muslims, majority of whom have not even been of the Sayawas.
While cautioning MURIC and others to engage in constructive, rather than sowing seeds of discords, the ZDA said that the Chiefdom is aimed at providing a platform for all ethnic and religious groups in the area to work together for the common good of the community, the State, Nigeria and the world at large.
The ZDA also said; “While MURIC has every right to express its opinion in favour 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.
“Governor Bala Mohammed’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.
“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. 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 said.
