Fufore Emirate: Aggrieved Adamawa Concern Stakeholders Drag Governor Fintiri to Court Over Creation Of Emirate

Fufore Emirate: Aggrieved Adamawa concern stakeholders drag Governor Fintiri to court over creation of Emirate.

From Umar Dankano, Yola.

A group of aggrieved Adamawa concern stakeholders have instituted a legal action the state government for the creation of Fufore Emirate out of the famous Adamawa Emirate council in the state.

Recall that the Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration created seven chiefdoms and two Emirates in December last year claiming to be for unity, inclusivity and enhancement of the state and its citizens.

Addressing a press conference leader and Spokesman of the group, professor Alkassim Abba said that the legal action is borne out of a deep commitment to enhance democracy, entrench justice, equity and preservation of peace in the state.

Professor Abba, an erudite scholar and former Vice Chancellor of the Adamawa state University Mubi stated that the group advised Governor Fintiri over the creation of the said Fufore Emirate describing it as “violation of established customs” and “exceeding constitutional mandate”.

Abba expressed dismay with the attitude of the state government for not toying towards the amicable reconciliatory move made the group for a resentment of its earlier decision.

“We have called this press conference to address an issue of critical importance to the people of Adamawa State. At this moment, our team of lawyers is filing a court action in the registry of the Adamawa State High Court to challenge the creation of the Fufore Emirate.

“This legal action is borne out of a deep commitment to enhance democracy, entrench justice, equity, and the preservation of peace in the state. It is our firm belief that this decision was ill-conceived and unlawfully executed.

“Adamawe State, governed by laws and enriched by its history, is home to deeply rooted traditions and institutions that have fostered unity and stability for generations. The unilateral creation of the Fufore Emirate, executed without regard for known history, established customs, legal norms, or the views of stakeholders, threatens the integrity of our historical institutions and the harmony of our society.

“The Adamawa Emirate, as an ancient and unified entity, represents not Just the history of a people but the cultural and social fabric of our state. Severing its core nucleus without consultation or adherence to traditional norms is not only unjust but also unconstitutional, violating the principles of democracy, Inclusion and harmony protected by the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution,” he said.

He noted that his group deemed it fit to file the suit because, the action of the governor was biased, a gross violation of established customs, and exceeded his constitutional remit and the state house of assembly.

“Our decision to take legal action is based on the following key reasons:

“The creation of the Fufore Emirate undermines the historical role and authority of traditional institutions, such as the Adamawa Emirate Council and its kingmakers. This action disrupts longstanding practices, weakens communal harmony and threatens the unity of the people, For instance, District Heads from Gurin, Malabu, and Ribadu, who historically play a critical role as kingmakers in the selection of the Lamido, are being removed from their traditional responsibilities without due process;

“The Governor and the State House of Assembly lack the legal competence to unilaterally alter the boundaries and structures of traditional communities without adhering to the customs and laws enshrined under the Constitution. The creation of the Fufore Emirate bypassed the established legal framework and failed to respect customary norms codified under customary law; and

“While policies of inclusion are commendable, they must be applied fairly and equitably. The selective targeting and dismantling of Fulbe history, customs and traditions raise serious concerns about fairness and justice. For example, while other ethnic nationalities have been grouped together under unified traditional entities, the nucleus of the Adamawa Emirate’s metropolis has been divided. This perceived discrimination fosters division and resentment among communities,” he said.

Our Correspondent in Yola reported that the announcement of Fufore emirate as one the newly created emirates received mixed feelings as opponents say it was created with the ulterior motive of subverting the influence of the famous Adamawa emirate while others celebrated it .