The new Sarkin Malamai (a traditional title of leader of Islamic scholars) of Gombe Emirate, Hon. Ahmad Abubakar Walama, has pledged to promote interfaith harmony among adherents of different religions residing in the kingdom.
He made the pledge yesterday at a ceremony to celebrate the conferment of the title on him at his family house in Tudun Wada with the attendance of the representative of the Emir of Gombe, Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, traditional title holders and Islamic clerics.
Walama, a former chairman of Dukku local government area and commissioner for local government affairs, said the role of his title is to represent Islamic scholars in the kingdom.
He said he would use the position to promote unity, peace and harmony among all religious faithful resident in Gombe Emirate.
“I am grateful to the Emir of Gombe, Dr Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, for choosing me out of the many members of this royal home. I have brothers and many family members, but I am lucky to be appointed to hold the title. I will be serving as a mediator between the emirate and clerics.
“I will use the position to foster unity among the clerics and also promote harmony and peace among all religious faithful including Muslims and Christians We have to live in peace so our society will develop. This will be my priority as I take this position,” he said.
Earlier, the emir’s representative, the Shamaki of Gombe, Alhaji Usman Mohammad, said the title was conferred on the former commissioner based on merit.
He, therefore, urged him to respect the norms, culture and values of the traditional institution as he holds the title and charged Islamic scholars to support him.
