The Majlisshura Unity Foundation in Bauchi State has strongly rejected the decision of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to locate the headquarters of the newly created Sayawa Chiefdom at the Namchi area within Tafawa Balewa town.
The foundation described the move as a direct affront to the long-standing complaints, petitions, and agitations by the Fulani and other original inhabitant tribes of the town, as well as a disregard for the ongoing legal proceedings on the matter before a competent court.
In a strongly worded petition addressed to the speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Y Sulaiman, the Foundation said it “Unequivocally opposes and rejects the siting of the proposed Sayawa Chiefdom Headquarters at Mhrim/Namchi area within Tafawa Balewa town.”
The petition, signed by foundation’s chairman Sheikh Yusuf Abdullahi Jahun, emphasised that the decision contradicts existing laws governing the Chiefdom’s establishment.
It drew the attention of the legislature to Section 9 of the Law No. 5 of 2011 for the creation of Sayawa Chiefdom, which stated that “The headquarters of the Chiefdom for the time being shall be sited at Martin Giji.”
The petition also cited the Sayawa Chiefdom (Amendment) Law 2014, which clearly stipulates in Subsection 9 that the headquarters of the Sayawa Chiefdom shall be Bogoro town.
The group stressed that this provision remains the clearest and most peaceful legal framework to resolve the matter.
The petitioners further reminded the Assembly that the issue remains a subject of litigation before a court of competent jurisdiction, and therefore, any action taken before the final court pronouncement would amount to contempt.
“As a loyal community, we will continue to maintain law and order in our domains, remain peaceful stakeholders, promote the welfare and socio-economic well-being of our people, and cooperate with the present administration for the sake of development and peaceful coexistence,” the petition added.
LEADERSHIP Friday reports that the Bauchi State government has proposed the creation of 13 new emirates, two chiefdoms, and 111 districts across the state. The proposal is presently before the State House of Assembly, which is seeking public input before it is passed into law.
