The Adamawa State Government has said recent reforms in its traditional and chieftaincy affairs are aimed at strengthening and modernising traditional institutions and not targeted at anyone in particular.
Recall that the government had earlier released a circular that announced that only persons from specific districts are eligible to serve on the council.
As a result, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, risks losing his title of Waziri Adamawa following the new policy.
Atiku, a native of Jada in Ganye chiefdom, currently holds the title of Waziri Adamawa, conferred on him in June 2017 by Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, the Lamido of Adamawa.
The title comes with a seat on the Adamawa Emirate Council.
However, a circular signed by the permanent secretary in the state ministry of chieftaincy affairs, Adama Mamman and dated June 19, stated that only persons from specific districts are eligible to serve on the council.
The directive follows the creation of new chiefdoms by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
The circular specifies that only persons from Yola south, Yola north, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo districts are eligible for the Adamawa emirate council, while only indigenes of Mubi north and Mubi south qualify for the Mubi Emirate Council.
“Following the creation of new Chiefdoms in the State by the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umar Fintiri, I am directed to inform you that all Kingmakers and Council members in the state must be indigene (sic) of their Chiefdoms, e,g all Kingmakers and Council members from Adamawa Emirate Council must be indigene (sic) of Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song and Zumo districts, while those of Mubi Emirate Council must be indigene (sic) of Mubi South and Mubi North, Vis-a-vis all Emirates/Traditional Councils in the State,” the circular reads.
“However, those appointed or conferred with Only Traditional titles are to maintain their status regardless of their Local Government of indigene. With the content of this Circular, all Kingmakers and Council members who are not indigenes of the Chiefdoms have been relieved of their appointments.”
Policy not politically motivated – Adamawa Government
NewsClick Nigeria reports that the development has raised dusts in some quarters with claims that it was politically motivated to target the former Vice President.
But a statement on Tuesday by Iliya James, commissioner for information and strategy, refuted claims that the reforms are politically motivated or directed at specific persons.
“The Adamawa state government wishes to categorically clarify that recent activities and reforms within the traditional and chieftaincy affairs sector are not directed at any individual or group,” the statement reads.
“These efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen and modernize traditional institutions in alignment with constitutional roles and cultural preservation.
“It has come to the government’s attention that certain narratives in the public space suggest that recent decisions concerning chieftaincy matters are politically motivated or aimed at specific persons. We firmly refute these claims.”
The commissioner said the changes align with constitutional roles and cultural preservation, ensuring transparency, fairness, and due process.
The commissioner said Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, governor of Adamawa, has consistently stressed the importance of preserving state’s cultural heritage while ensuring traditional rulers operate within legal frameworks.
He said the ongoing legislative review seeks to improve coordination, resolve disputes, and promote unity within traditional institutions.
James added that the bill before the Adamawa state house of assembly on the reforms includes provisions for nominating substitutes when a chief is ill, and clarifies the composition and eligibility of kingmakers.