Fufore Emirate: We Approach the Court Over Fintiri’s Refusal to Listen to Reason – Prof. Abba
A distinguished historian and former Vice-Chancellor of Adamawa State University, Mubi, Professor Alkasum Abba, has provided insight into the legal challenge against the creation of the Fufore Emirate. Speaking on behalf of concerned stakeholders, he emphasized that their legal action is a necessary step to safeguard the integrity of Adamawa State’s historical and cultural institutions.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri had, in the latter part of last year, announced the creation of seven new chiefdoms and emirates. His administration justified this move as an effort to promote inclusivity, development, and unity in the state. However, the establishment of the Fufore Emirate has sparked widespread concern, with critics alleging that it was strategically designed to undermine the influence of the long-established Fombina Emirate.
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During a press conference in Yola, Professor Abba, speaking on behalf of a coalition of stakeholders dedicated to the development and unity of Adamawa State, vowed to challenge what he described as the governor’s “illegal” action. He asserted that reversing this decision is essential to preserving peace and social harmony in the state.
“We have convened this press conference to address an issue of paramount importance to the people of Adamawa State. As we speak, our legal team is submitting a lawsuit at the Adamawa State High Court to contest the creation of the Fufore Emirate.
“This legal action is driven by our unwavering commitment to upholding democracy, ensuring justice, promoting equity, and maintaining peace in the state. We strongly believe that the governor’s decision was ill-conceived and executed unlawfully.
“Adamawa State is governed by laws and enriched by a history of deeply rooted traditions that have fostered unity and stability for generations. The unilateral creation of the Fufore Emirate—without due regard for historical realities, established customs, or legal provisions—poses a direct threat to the integrity of our traditional institutions and societal harmony.
“The Adamawa Emirate, a historic and unified entity, is not merely an administrative structure but the custodian of our cultural and social heritage. Any move to alter its composition without broad consultation and adherence to customary norms is not only unfair but unconstitutional. Such an act undermines democracy, inclusion, and harmony, all of which are enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution,” he stated.
Professor Abba further explained that their decision to take legal action is based on the governor’s perceived bias, his disregard for established customs, and his overreach beyond constitutional and legislative limits.
“Our resolve to pursue this legal challenge stems from several critical factors:
**1. Undermining Traditional Institutions**
“The creation of the Fufore Emirate effectively weakens the historical authority of traditional institutions like the Adamawa Emirate Council and its kingmakers. This decision disrupts age-old practices that have long preserved communal harmony and unity. For example, district heads from Gurin, Malabu, and Ribadu—who have historically played a crucial role in selecting the Lamido of Adamawa—are being stripped of their traditional responsibilities without due process.
**2. Exceeding Legal Authority**
“The governor and the Adamawa State House of Assembly lack the legal competence to unilaterally alter the boundaries and structures of traditional communities without following constitutional and customary provisions. The creation of the Fufore Emirate bypassed established legal frameworks and ignored customary laws that govern traditional leadership structures.
**3. Selective and Unfair Application of Inclusion Policies**
“While inclusivity is a laudable goal, it must be implemented fairly and equitably. The selective fragmentation of Fulbe history, customs, and traditions raises serious concerns about justice and fairness. Other ethnic nationalities have been grouped together under unified traditional entities, yet the core nucleus of the Adamawa Emirate’s metropolis has been divided. This selective approach fosters division, fuels resentment, and erodes communal trust,” he asserted.
Professor Abba emphasized that the lawsuit aims to restore the legitimacy of traditional institutions and protect the historical integrity of the Adamawa Emirate. He noted that the governor’s action could set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to further disintegration of time-honored structures that have maintained peace and cohesion in the state.
He called on concerned citizens, traditional rulers, and leaders of thought to reject any policy that undermines the historical foundations of Adamawa State. According to him, any attempt to tamper with long-established institutions should be subjected to wide consultation, legal scrutiny, and broad consensus among stakeholders.
“We are not opposed to progress or development, but change must come through lawful and just processes. We refuse to accept any arbitrary decision that disregards the voices of the people and disrupts the equilibrium of our society. Our ancestors built these institutions with wisdom and foresight, and we must not allow political interests to destroy them overnight,” he concluded.
The press conference underscored the strong opposition to the creation of the Fufore Emirate and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to ensuring that justice prevails. With the legal challenge now in motion, the coming weeks are expected to witness intensified debates over the legitimacy of the governor’s action and its implications for traditional leadership in Adamawa State.
