By Mike Odeh James
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has applauded the Governors of Bauchi and Kaduna States — Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and Senator Uba Sani — for implementing reforms aimed at strengthening traditional leadership structures and ensuring fairness for long-marginalized communities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Luka Binniyat, the MBF described Governor Bala Mohammed’s approval of 13 new Emirates and the long-awaited Zaar (Sayawa) Chiefdom as a “bold and historic” move that corrects decades of injustice and exclusion.
According to Binniyat, the creation of the Zaar Chiefdom brings to an end a century-long demand by the Zaar people for recognition of their cultural identity and self-governance. “For generations, the Zaar have sought official acknowledgment of their traditions and leadership. This development represents a long-overdue act of justice,” the Forum noted.
He explained that during the colonial period, the British placed the Zaar community under the Fulani Bauchi Emirate for administrative convenience — despite the Zaar never being conquered or assimilated by either Fulani or Kanuri rulers. This, he said, led to years of marginalization and sporadic conflict.
The MBF described the establishment of the Zaar Chiefdom and other new Emirates as “a testament to inclusive leadership,” restoring dignity and identity to numerous indigenous communities across Bauchi State.
The Forum also congratulated Brigadier-General Marcus Kokko Yake (rtd), who was installed as the first Gung-Zaar, urging the Zaar people to rally behind him in fostering peace, unity, and progress.
Similarly, the MBF welcomed the appointment of traditional rulers in the newly established Emirates, including:
- Emir of Duguri – Alhaji Adamu Mohammed
- Emir of Bununu – Alhaji Jibrin D. Hassan
- Emir of Toro – Alhaji Adamu Umar
- Emir of Lame – Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame
- Emir of Ari – Alhaji Muhammad Kilishi Musa
- Emir of Burra – Alhaji Ya’u Shehu Abubakar
- Emir of Warji – Alhaji Ibrahim Samaila Boyi
In the same vein, the Forum commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for ensuring a peaceful and transparent transition in the Ikulu Nation, following the appointment of His Royal Highness Mr. Sunday Bature Likoro as the new Agwam Ikulu III of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.
Binniyat described Governor Sani’s handling of the succession process as exemplary, noting that the new monarch’s wealth of experience and understanding of his people would promote reconciliation and stability in Southern Kaduna.
The Middle Belt Forum concluded by urging traditional leaders and their communities in Bauchi and Kaduna States to work together in promoting peace, inclusiveness, and regional development for the overall progress of the Middle Belt.
Middle-Belt Times 