The people of Ari District in Ningi local government area have refuted claims linking them to a petition circulating against the proposed creation of a new emirate or chiefdom in the area, describing the document as “false and misleading.”
In a statement yesterday by the Chamo/Base Community Development Association, and jointly signed by Malam Sani Na Begu Batu and Hudu Galadima Marke, the community clarified that the alleged petition did not emanate from the people of Ari District.
According to the statement, the petition was “Orchestrated by individuals who neither represent the true interests nor the collective will of the people of Ari District, particularly those from Chamo and Base communities.”
The group alleged that the motive behind the petition was to “Create unnecessary tension and deceive the public into believing that our people oppose government initiatives designed to foster peace, inclusion, and development.”
Highlighting the district’s longstanding support for government reforms and peaceful coexistence, the association recalled that during the administration of former Governor Isa Yuguda, the District Head of Ari facilitated the creation of 13 new district heads within the area without any opposition, a reflection of the community’s commitment to unity and progress.
“We are disciplined, law-abiding, and peace-loving citizens who welcome any initiative that enhances growth and harmony in our communities,” the statement read.
The association urged members of the public, media organisations, and relevant authorities to disregard the petition, insisting that the claim that Chamo and Base communities oppose the proposed Ari Emirate is “Completely untrue.”
Reaffirming their support for the Bauchi State Government’s peace and development agenda, the statement stressed that Ari District remained committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Ningi local government and Bauchi State as a whole.
The community further called on the state government and security agencies to investigate and prosecute those behind the fake petition, describing their actions as “Harmful to peace and unity in our community.”
