By Emmanuel Kwada
In a move that underscores the deepening of traditional institutions in Adamawa State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has formally approved the appointments of key council members to the newly established Fufore Emirate, as recommended by His Royal Highness Lamido Funange Alhaji Muhammadu Sani Ahmadu Ribadu, the Emir of Fufore.
The announcement, issued by the Emirate’s Director of Information Officer, marks a pivotal step in consolidating the emirate’s structure just months after its creation earlier this year, fostering unity and effective local leadership in the region.
The Fufore Emirate, one of seven new emirates and chiefdoms unveiled by Governor Fintiri in January 2025 to resolve longstanding traditional conflicts and enhance governance, received its Staff of Office in February during a vibrant ceremony attended by thousands.
HRH Ribadu, brother to National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and selected for his merit and popularity, was turbaned as the inaugural emir, with the governor emphasizing the role of these institutions in promoting peace, security, and development.
Today’s approvals build on that foundation, integrating a blend of political heavyweights, community elders, and professionals into the emirate’s advisory framework.
Among the distinguished appointees is Alhaji Abubakar Bibboi Jijiwa, a seasoned media administrator and former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, elevated to the prestigious role of Waziri, the emirate’s prime minister equivalent. Joining him is Senator Bello Muhammadu Tukur, a veteran politician and former senator, as Wakili, alongside Alhaji Muhammadu Hamma’Adama Ahijo as Galadima, the senior counselor.
The list further includes Hon. Jika Bapetel as Wali, Alhaji Abdulkareem Saad Gurin as Tafida, and Chief Joel Hammajoda Madaki as Sarki Hurumi, reflecting a cross-section of Fulani and non-Fulani influences vital to the emirate’s diverse composition.
Rounding out the council are Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya as Sardauna, Alhaji Ishaku Ismail Numan as Sarki Yaki, Barrister Atiku Hammantukur Ribadu—a legal expert and relative of the emir—as Chiroma, Hon. Halilu Hammawa Malabu as Makama, Alhaji Dr. Yahya Saidu as Dan Galadima, Alhaji Bamanga Hayatu as Ubandoma, Alhaji Adamu Hammantukur Ribadu as Dan Madami, Alhaji Gidado Hammagari as Madawaki, and Comrade Muhammadu Haruna Tuki as Dan Iya.
These selections, drawn from individuals with proven records in public service, politics, and community development, were lauded for their dedication and contributions to grassroots initiatives.
The official statement highlighted that the appointments prioritize merit, ensuring a council equipped to address local challenges like dispute resolution and social cohesion in this second-class emirate headquartered in Fufore town.
”Your selection was based on merit, dedication, and contributions to people services rendered,” it noted, invoking blessings with “Allah wallu jo’nga’de” before resounding cheers of “Long live Fufore Emirate, Long live Fufore Local Government Area, Long live Adamawa State.”
Governor Fintiri’s administration has championed these reforms as part of a broader vision to empower traditional rulers in ungoverned spaces, a strategy praised by stakeholders for ending over 150 years of inter-ethnic tensions.
As the Fufore Emirate takes shape, observers anticipate these appointees will play a crucial role in bridging modern governance with cultural heritage, potentially setting a template for the state’s other new emirates like Maiha and chiefdoms such as Huba and Michika.
This development arrives amid ongoing efforts to strengthen Adamawa’s traditional framework, with the state assembly recently amending laws to allow interim appointments during vacancies. For the people of Fufore, it signals a new era of inclusive leadership under HRH Ribadu’s stewardship, promising stability and progress in one of Adamawa’s most vibrant locales.
