Series of write ups have been making the rounds in vulgar language directed at Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. It is important to state that the write ups on the selection of a new District Head of Sukur are completely unsurported by historical facts.
When Sukur District was so named, it did not take into cognisance the fact that Midlu, the headquarters was the living town that housed the Marghi nationality.
Of importance is the fact that the District headship is not a hereditary throne, rather it is an appointment that could be arbitrarily made. That is why the hues and cries of the authors or particularly Saleh Kinjir should not be taken seriously.
Another interesting aspect of the drama is that to make things the more democratic, the position was open for voting which involved five village heads. This implies that whoever scored more votes from each of the village Heads can be appointed to the position of ” District Head ” according to the extant laws. So what occurred with the election of Ijarafu Bayal first, on the 22 of March 2018 and its subsequent final ratification by the Mubi Emirate Council which sat on 13th of November 2019 and then forwarded its decision to then Governor Umaru Jibrilla, was totally in order having, once again scored 3 out of 5 votes. It is not only logical but right that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri endorsed a decision that was taken before he became Governor of the state. It also makes sense that a man tried and elected through an electoral process, should hold in deep regard the electoral process that presented before him the two candidates.
As earlier mentioned, since the stool is not hereditary and the process of election was exercised, there was no reason for him to deny the people irrespective of the extraction of the person of their choice, which in this case happened to be Ijafaru Biyal.
Another aspect of the whole issue is that of threats of conflict by the writer, Saleh Kinjir the son of a migrant hunter who immensely benefited from the same Marghi lineage which he is now seeking to disparage and deny. First and foremost, in an area that is restive as it is, having suffered the ravages of Boko Haram, it is outrageous to start inciting people that have lived for hundreds of years together into fratricidal conflict (war).
Except for the recent conflict in the area by Boko Haram, the area had been peaceful.
In a morden world where nations seem to gravitate to form a unified whole, it is completely out of place for two nations that to all purposes are considered as one, to squabble and to some extent threaten the peace that their people have enjoyed for hundreds of years. In fact, to the average onlooker, one cannot separate the Sukur from the Marghi people.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri did just what he must do as Governor. He is known for his neutrality when it comes to religious, tribal conflicts or whatever, His decisions are dispassionate and bear no semblance of tribal or religious affiliations. After all the brother nations of Marghi and Sukur were both involved in the election process and losing out on a matter of votes should not be allowed to degenerate into a political conflict that would have far reaching implications on the ordinary citizens whose lives can only be made worst.
It should be noted that since the creation in 1983 of Midlu District and its recreation in 1993, having been truncated following the military intervention, the District Headship had always been open to election. It is also on record that His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri that is being brought into the issue was not the Governor when Ijarafu Bayal was elected. He is not also responsible for the appointment which was actually done by his predecessor Alh Muhammadu Jibrila Bindo. The present Government owes no one any apology for what the preceding Government did. It is rather surprising that this matter should crop up now that the decision taken earlier was only confirmed by Governor Fintiri as a responsible leader that believes in the continuity of governance.
At a time like this, the harmonious existence of the Sukur and Marghi people is paramount. Rather than fanning the embers of war, Saleh Kinjir and his faceless cohorts should understand that there is a need for mutual understanding and brotherly love for each other. It makes is no difference who becomes District Head between a Marghi person or a sukur man, it is not a throne forever and therefore directing threats at individual or creating a situation of conflict, false conflict, deep seated animosity (just to massage Kinjir’s vain ego) in the area is not desirable. As time goes on, with mutual understanding and accord the next District Head might be from Sukur even if the vast majority of people in the District are Marghis
The job of the Government and the person that happens to be Governor at the moment is to provide security for all people in the state and not take sides with anyone, which is what has been done so far.
The person who is a poor historical weatherman, is not the Governor in this instance who is conscious of all the cultural heritage and ancestral touch tones of the District but Saleh Kinjir who for all intents and purposes appears oblivious of the historical antecedents but instead should cover his face in shame for fanning the embers of disunity amongst the peace loving people of Midlu District which has once produced a Governor in the person of H E Bala James Ngillari, A senator, Ambassador Bitrus Kajal and a State legislator e.t.c.
In conclusion, we the people of Sukur District have no other option than to demand for an amendment of the District creation law of the Adamawa State House of Assembly which converted the name from Midlu to Sukur District that gave the likes of Saleh Kinjir and his ilk the opportunity to lay claim to clannish sentiments that tend to plunge our people on a dangerous precipice. We therefore call on the 8th Assembly, the Adamawa State Government and the Mubi Emirate Council to initiate the process of reverting the District back to Midlu District the original name when it was created in 1983.
Thank You.
IBRAHIM UMARU FEWUDU
For: Midlu Community
