BD Lawal
One of the most significant remembrance days in the life of Adamawa State’s indigenous peoples will continue to be Monday, December 23, 2024. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri declared the establishment and restoration of two Emirates and five new Chiefdoms in the State on this day.
Since the majority of these Chiefdoms were wrongfully dissolved in pre-colonial times, there has been a growing call for their creation and/or restoration. For instance, Mr. M.C. Barclays, the Yola resident, reported in 1907 to the colonial governor in Zungeru that, based on the Hoba Chiefdom’s territorial expansion (which had previously been considered second class), its population, and its rich cultural heritage as of 1902, support the idea that “the chief ought to be ungraded a first class status.However, political intrigues and administrative flaws were frequently exploited by the succeeding governments of Northern Nigeria, North Eastern State, Gongola State, and Adamawa State until Governor Fintiri’s historic speech on December 23, 2023, bravely and admirably corrected these deliberate oppression and suppression. The other new Chiefdoms and Emirates that were declared on this momentous day have similar histories.
The people’s gratitude to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri knows no bounds. For the people of these Chiefdoms, and indeed all over Adamawa State, the joy of this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations will have no parallels in antiquity. History will be very kind to you, our Governor, for remedying this variant of oppression which is very rampant in Northern Nigeria. So will it Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi too. Indeed, I am tempted to suggest that Adamawa state itself be renamed “FINTIRI STATE”.
In all these, I am reminded of the prophesy of ISAIAH 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed”.
I wish the people of Adamawa State merry Christmas and New Year celebrations which, I am sure will be like no other in antiquity.
