MURIC UNDER FIRE: Zaar Development Association Slams Muslim Group Over Sayawa Chiefdom

By Samuel Luka

Zaar Development Association (ZDA) Worldwide has condemned the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) for opposing the creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom in Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State. MURIC had described the proposed chiefdom as a “Christian Chiefdom,” a claim ZDA says is based on misinformation, deceit, threats, and propaganda.

The Sayawa community is comprised of various religions, with Christians making up over 85% of the population, followed by Muslims and others

According to ZDA, the Sayawa community is comprised of various religions, with Christians making up over 85% of the population, followed by Muslims and others. The association emphasized that the creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom is not an attempt to establish a “Christian Chiefdom” but rather a step towards peaceful coexistence and inclusivity.

The Bauchi State government, under Governor Bala Mohammed, has been working towards establishing the Sayawa Chiefdom, with over 70% of the necessary work completed. The chiefdom is expected to be completed within six months, with its headquarters in Tafawa Balewa town. ZDA views this development as a positive step towards inclusivity and cultural recognition.

The establishment of the Sayawa Chiefdom will provide a balance to the traditional structure of the state, similar to other states in Nigeria

The association also noted that the establishment of the Sayawa Chiefdom will provide a balance to the traditional structure of the state, similar to other states in Nigeria such as Kaduna, Gombe, Adamawa, and Nasarawa, which have both Emirates and Chiefdoms representing different ethnic and religious groups.

ZDA questioned MURIC’s opposition to the chiefdom, wondering which Muslim group they are fighting for, as even non-Sayawa Muslims in Tafawa Balewa, like Prof. Salisu Shehu, have conceded that the chiefdom should be created.