“The recent article by Yakubu Abdullahi Yakubu, titled ‘GONGOLA PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT: THE FANTASIES AND THE FALLACIES,’ is a misleading and biased account of history. The author’s attempts to revise history and perpetuate harmful narratives are evident throughout the article. With due respect to long standing record of writing for the emirate, this write up all through, excludes the basic rules of reviewing other available narratives on other ethnicities.
Firstly, the author’s portrayal of the Islamic Jihad in Fombina as a solely religious war is a gross simplification of historical facts that should be sacrosanct. The conquest was a complex phenomenon driven by political, economic, and social factors, involving the displacement and subjugation of various ethnic groups in a limited space. If asked, why are other regions not and people not forcefully converted or even subdued by the writer’s heroes of conquest? That interpretation of history then remains pedestrian. It cannot fly when subjected to academic and objective review.
Furthermore, the author’s assertion that the Fulani came only for religious purposes is a deliberate distortion of history. The Fulani conquest was a violent and expansionist campaign that sought to establish dominance over other ethnic groups, leading to the loss of lives, lands, and cultural heritage. In civilized climes jihadists pampleteers like this author should be calling for retraction of evils metted against victims of classified banditry rated as conquerors. Just be bold and ask for restitution. If this type of narrative Keep flying, there will be a need for open debates.
The author’s claim that the British colonial administrators did not collaborate with Fulani rulers to dominate other ethnic groups is contradicted by historical records. The British colonial policy of indirect rule reinforced Fulani hegemony and perpetuated the marginalization of other groups as a last convenience is a recent mischief in just 1904. That in itself was a violation of moral responsibility entrenched by both colonialists and their end point recruits. Kingdoms have existed, cultures standing tall and 500 hundred years before even Usman Dan Fodio Jihad of the 1840s.
Moreover, the author’s portrayal of the Adamawa Emirate Council as a harmonious and inclusive institution is far from the truth. The council has historically been dominated by the Fulani elite, with limited representation and participation from other ethnic groups. Mention a few but don’t exclude the existing facts “Bata” (Bwatiye) people presence. Were they really conquered? NO, NO and NO. Check unbiased records of even history of Islam…it didn’t start with fulanis in the zone they later named fombina. Bata people of Kokomto, Girei and stretches of Vunoklang have had encounters with very peaceful Islam from Kanem Bornu. The author who selects his historical claims and interpretation to make Islamic expansionism as a preserve of a local emirate, needs to know that even other people in the so to say Adamawa/fombina have had Islam earlier.
Finally, the author’s call for tolerance and sensitivity rings hollow when confronted with the historical injustices and ongoing marginalization faced by non-Fulani groups in Adamawa State. True reconciliation and peace can only be achieved through an honest acknowledgment of the past, restitution, and inclusive governance.
In conclusion, this rejoinder debunks the fallacies and ethnocentric claims in the original article, urging a more nuanced and accurate understanding of Adamawa’s complex history and the need for genuine reconciliation and inclusivity.
Part 1….
Dr John Ngamsa, is a Lecturer and a public affairs opinion writer, he writes from Yola -Adamawa State
The piece by Yakubu Abdullahi Yakubu captured the true reflection of the ethnic nationalities in Adamawa State and their move to mobilize themselves against the Fulanis.