Bauchi: Christian Lawyers, Journalists Caution Over Sayawa Chiefdom

…Commends Gov Mohammed for his bold steps

BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – As controversy over the siting of the headquarters of the proposed Sayawa Chiefdom in Tafawa Balewa town, Bauchi State, rages, the Joint Assembly of Christian Lawyers and Journalists (JACLJ), has called for caution over unguarded media comments that are gradually creating tension in Bauchi state.

JACLJ said that the bold step taken by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State deserved commendation by Nigerians particularly ethnic groups and peace-loving Nigerians, who view the move by the Governor as a commendable step towards bringing lasting peace and development to hitherto marginalized people who have struggled for self-actualization for decades.

The organisation therefore called on aggrieved and dissatisfied persons with the Bauchi State Governor’s decision on the creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom and its headquarters in Tafawa Balewa town, to sheath their swords and seek redress, if any, from the appropriate quarters.

The group which rose from a joint meeting held over the weekend, stated that the creation of a Sayawa Chiefdom had lingered for over three decades and seemingly defied solutions by previous administration in the State.

JACLI further said; “We, as neutral parties, deemed it necessary to state that the Governor’s kind gesture towards bringing lasting peace to the Sayawa people have generated a lot of controversies, especially as it pertains to the siting of the headquarters of the Chiefdom in Tafawa Balewa town.

“We feel these controversies and uproar are needless, owing to the Governor’s statement during a meeting with the

committee on creation of Sayawa Chiefdom and key stakeholders at the Governors Office on December 9, 2024.

“After due consultation, conviction and persuasion, the headquarters of the Sayawa Chiefdom shall be cited inTafawa Balewa town. Sequel to this, we feel that there is no need for personal attacks and criticism on the person of the Governor who is the Chief Security Officer of the State.

“This is the only way to bring peace to the land that has been faced with many ethnic/religious crises that have led to loss of lives and destruction of properties.

“We feel that the involvement of the National Supreme

Council of Islamic Affairs in Nigeria (NSCIA), the Muslim Rights Council and some Islamic Clerics among others are needless. This is further compounding issues and causing unnecessary tension in Bauchi State which has enjoyed

relative peace in the past few years especially under the Administration of His Excellency, Sen. Bala A. Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi).

“We submit that it is of paramount importance we focus on what unites rather than what divides us. We therefore call for unity and peace among Nigerians especially Bauchi State and we also appeal to our traditional leaders, interest groups, individuals, particularly religious leaders to eschew bitterness and desist from inciting and propagating hatred and divisions among the good people of Bauchi State as there can be no development in an atmosphere of chaos,” the statement said.