The national umbrella of Jhar, one of the native ethnic groups of Tafawa Balewa, Tunturi Development Association (TDA) has opposed the decision of the Bauchi State government to site the headquarters of Sayawa chiefdom in Tafawa Balewa town.
In a letter signed by the association’s chairman and secretary, Inuwa Muhammad Abdullahi and Jibrin Pholantulu, respectively, they said they were happy for the state governor’s willingness to address the lingering issue surrounding the creation of Zaar chiefdom but recommended that the governor re-visit the recommendations made by various Committees of inquiry set up since 1991.
Tunturi Development Association, explained that siting the stool of the planned Sayawa Chiefdom in Tafawa Balewa town is a monumental mistake and a recipe for sowing a new seed of discord between the peace loving communities of Bula district and Sayawa residents of Tafawa Balewa town.
The group further stated that it does not oppose the creation of Sayawa chiefdom but vehemently opposes the idea of establishing the chiefdom’s headquarters in Tafawa Balewa township. Since 1978 to 2010, many lives and properties have been lost, but no culprit has ever been convicted.
Tunturi Development Association said in light of a pending litigation on the question of ownership of Tafawa Balewa town, it is advisable for the state governor to exempt Tafawa Balewa town from the territories of the proposed chiefdom with a view to avoiding any act of contempt of court.
The group also recommends that the governor expand his scope of consultations to include important interest groups such as neighbors of the chiefdom and victims with the aspiration for the right of self-determination.
