Chiefdoms/Emirates creation: Babachir calls for the rename of Adamawa State to “Fintiri State”

Press statement in full

CHRISTMAS GIFT LIKE NO OTHER

Monday, 23rd December 2024 will remain one of the most memorial days in the lives of the aboriginal peoples of Adamawa State. On this day, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri announced the creation and restoration of five new Chiefdoms and two Emirates in the State.

The clamor for the establishment and/or restoration of some of these Chiefdoms date back to pre-colonial times when most of them were unfairly abolished. For an example, in a 1907 report by Mr. M.C. Barclays the Resident of Yola addressed to the Colonial Governor in Zungeru he indicated that judging by the territorial expansion of the Hoba Chiefdom (which hitherto enjoyed a second class status), its population and rich cultural heritage as at 1902 justify that “the chief ought to be ungraded a first class status”. But political intrigues and administrative lapses were serially exploited by the successive powers that be in the defunct Governments of Northern Nigeria, North Eastern State, Gongola State and Adamawa State until this courageous and commendable redress of these deliberate oppression and suppression by Governor Fintiri’s historic address of 23rd December 2023. Similar histories abound in relation to the other new Chiefdoms and Emirates announced on this historic day.

The people’s gratitude to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri knows no bounds. For the people of these Chiefdoms, and indeed all over Adamawa State, the joy of this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations will have no parallels in antiquity. History will be very kind to you, our Governor, for remedying this variant of oppression which is very rampant in Northern Nigeria. So will it Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi too. Indeed, I am tempted to suggest that Adamawa state itself be renamed “FINTIRI STATE”.

In all these, I am reminded of the prophesy of ISAIAH 61:1

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed”.

I wish the people of Adamawa State merry Christmas and New Year celebrations which, I am sure will be like no other in antiquity.

BD Lawal