By Ibrahim Abdul’Aziz
Yola
Already there is palpable tension in Jalingo as facts emerged that the state government may have concluded arrangements to elevate and create chiefdoms within the Muri emirate territory as well as other parts of the state.
Disturbed by the plan to create chiefdoms, elders in Muri emirate have prevailed on the need for the Governor Darius Dickson Isiyaku not to add salt into the ‘’ already fragile peace ‘’ been enjoyed in some parts of the state.
While addressing newsmen spokesman of the Muri Elders Forum, who is also a prince of the emirate council, Buba Mafindi, protested against the plan, saying the ” move as designed is clearly intended to marginalized and apply tribal jingoism in favour of certain tribes,in preparation for 2019 election.’’
Citing the prevailing ethno-religious crisis been witnessed in the recent time , Mafindi warned the government not to ignore the sensitivity of the exercise , ‘’ it has become urgent and very necessary for us to comment on the issue of creation of chiefdoms in Taraba state.
‘’The bill for that effect has since been transmitted to the state House of Assembly for deliberation and approval. The process of which is now in the terminal stage .
‘’It’s seems , the politicians who are advancing this project for the governor ahead of 2019, are not wishing the state well. It was same group that piloted the controversial anti-grazing project that caused us havoc.
‘’ We want our governor to do away with all primordial sentiments and jingoisms that are held bent on creating unnecessary tension, confusion , it seems they don’t have respect to the accepted norms, culture and historical background; we want peace not crisis,’’ Mafindi warns.
Investigations have revealed that the state government is set to create additional districts and chiefdoms in the state, a situation that generated in tension in some existed chiefdoms and emirates.
A top government official who pleaded for anonymity said that, ‘’ the government will soon create additional districts and chiefdoms in the state to bring government closer to the people at the grassroot and ensure proper security for its citizens.
‘’The bill has since been transmitted to the state House of Assembly for their perusal and approval, more first class chiefs ,districts and chiefdoms will be created in the state,’’ said the source.
Though efforts to get the speaker of the state House of Assembly Mr Peter Adial Diah proved abortive as calls to his GSM lines were not pick, but when contacted the governor’s aide on political matter Abubakar Bawa neither confirm nor deny.
‘’Well for now, I cannot confirm because I was not told or brief on creation of chiefdoms or elevation of some traditional rulers but even if there is , a letter will definitely be transmitted to the state lawmakers, so I am not aware not to talk of its political relevance or undertone,’’ said Bawa.
It could be recalled that the state governor Darius Dickson Isiyaku had earlier uplifted some district heads , the districts consist of both old Muri chiefdom and the Wurkum chiefdom during which he declared that ,’’ this will strengthen the bonding between the villages and also create more rooms for peace.’’
