The Zaar Youths Development Association (ZAYODA) has expressed its backing of the efforts of the State Government in ensuring the creation and actualisation of the much sought-after Sayawa Chiefdom with headquarters in Tafawa Balewa town.
ZAYODA also commended the State Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, for the political will he has so far demonstrated in the establishment of the Chiefdom despite unnecessary distractions.
During an interactive session with journalists on Friday evening, Comr. Ga’Allah Daniel, National Youth Leader, condemned in strong terms those trying to hinder the process as outlined by the government in the guise of religious sentiments.
He stated, “It is with profound gratitude to God Almighty that I stand before you today as the National Leader of the Zaar Youths to deliver this address, which reflects our acknowledgement, appreciation, and commendation of His Excellency, the Governor of Bauchi State, for his tireless efforts in advancing lasting peace and progress in Bauchi State as a whole and more particularly in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro LGAs. Your Excellency, may God crown your efforts with success.”
Comr. Ga’Allah Daniel added, “The Zaar Youth Development Association (ZAYODA), the apex socio-cultural body representing the youths of the Sayawa ethnic group worldwide regardless of religious background, is honoured to officially acknowledge, appreciate, and commend the dedicated leadership of Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and the Bauchi State Government for their commitment to the realisation of the long-standing aspiration of our people: the establishment of the Sayawa Chiefdom, in line with your campaign promises. You have truly shown that you are a man of your word, and we are delighted by your unwavering dedication to the overall development of Bauchi State.”
He stressed, “We equally commend His Excellency our Governor for promoting and maintaining peace, unity, and progress in the whole of Bauchi State, which has made the state the most peaceful state.”
ZAYODA added, “We wish to particularly appreciate and commend H.R.H. Dr. Rilwanu Adamu, the Emir of Bauchi and Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council of Bauchi State, for conceding to the carving of his domain to establish the Sayawa Chiefdom. We know that it’s not easy for any ruler to let go of an inch of his territory, but our Father the Emir is able to do that for the purpose of promoting and maintaining peace in Bauchi State. We are most grateful, Sir.”
“The Zaar Youth Development Association fully supports this initiative and process. We call on all stakeholders, including the Sayawa people, traditional leaders, and the state government, to collaborate for the peaceful establishment and success of the Chiefdom. We are confident that the Chiefdom will foster unity and significantly contribute to the development of the areas across sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and cultural preservation,” he added.
ZAYODA explained that, specifically, the establishment of the Chiefdom will preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Sayawa people, strengthen local governance, facilitate conflict resolution and social cohesion, stimulate and promote economic and social empowerment of the residents, promote unity and foster inter-community and interfaith relationships, as well as facilitate social stability and foster rapid development across all sectors.
“We urge all people of goodwill, especially our youths, to remain steadfast and united in this cause, which promises a brighter future for our people and for Bauchi State as a whole,” ZAYODA added.
It further stated, “We are aware of several press releases circulated by individuals and groups who do not have the best interests of peace and harmony in Bauchi State at heart. These detractors have gone to great lengths to distort the truth and create confusion, attempting to sway public opinion against our Governor and undermine the establishment of the Chiefdom.”
For the sake of clarity, ZAYODA stated, “We, therefore, as Zaar Youths, have been relating very well with other similar associations of other ethnic groups within our area, and such peaceful relationships would be maintained. We further assure Nigerians that Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro are homes of peace and progress, and we welcome all Nigerians without discrimination.”
It added, “We wish to categorically affirm that the creation of our Chiefdom was recommended as far back as 1992 by the Hon. Justice B.O. Babalakin Commission. The then Federal Military Government of Gen. Babangida issued a white paper endorsing these recommendations and directing the State Government to implement them, with most recommendations being carried out—except for the establishment of the Sayawa Chiefdom.”
According to ZAYODA, “This recommendation predates even the creation of Bogoro LGA from Tafawa Balewa LGA, and without mention, the recommendation implied that the Sayawa Chiefdom be established in Tafawa Balewa LGA since there was no Bogoro LGA at that time.”
“It is also important to note that numerous Committees/Commissions set up by previous administrations in Bauchi State have consistently recommended the creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom. More particularly, the Amb. Chinade Committee left the issue of the headquarters of the Chiefdom at the discretion of the Governor, which we strongly believe is what informed the Governor to pronounce the location of the Chiefdom in Tafawa Balewa town. We continue to stand by these recommendations. We urge our Governor to proceed with the implementation of this vital recommendation for the benefit of all Nigerians,” it stressed.
ZAYODA added, “Without fear of any contradiction, our people who dominate Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro LGAs have coexisted peacefully with all other ethnic groups for generations. We emphasise that our people have never and would not ask any Nigerian to leave Tafawa Balewa, and such an idea is utterly unfounded and imaginary.”
It added, “Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro LGAs are integral parts of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and under the Constitution of the Nation, all Nigerians are free to live and thrive there. Allegations that our people have expelled others are mischievous and misleading, and we urge the public to dismiss them.”
“May we also use this opportunity to state that the issue of the establishment of the Sayawa Chiefdom is strictly an issue of self-determination and has nothing whatsoever to do with religion? Yet we have observed with great dismay that some religious leaders and bodies have decided to bring in religious sentiment into it,” it added.
ZAYODA stated, “We, therefore, caution those who are bringing religious colouration into it to desist from doing so as there are Christians, Muslims, and Traditionalists among the Sayawa people, and all are in support of the establishment of the Chiefdom.”
Comr. Ga’Allah Daniel concluded, “We call on the Governor to disregard these falsehoods and to proceed with the establishment of our Chiefdom in accordance with the law, ensuring justice and fairness for everyone, regardless of their status.”
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