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The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has strongly cautioned the Bauchi State government against siting the headquarters of the proposed Sayawa Chiefdom in Tafawa Balewa local government area of the State, warning that the decision was unfair to the historical antecedents of Tafawa Balewa town.
NSCIA, in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, on Thursday, described the move as a “recipe for conflict” and emphasised its opposition to the plan.
He noted that successive administration’s efforts to ensure peace in Tafawa Balewa have yielded fragile results, with Muslims displaced from the area for over a decade.
Prof. Oloyede said while the Bauchi Emirate Council and the Muslim community of Tafawa Balewa have accepted the creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom, they remained firm in their rejection of Tafawa Balewa as its headquarters, citing historical, moral, and demographic reasons.
He said multiple committees, including one appointed by incumbent Governor Bala Mohammed, have consistently recommended Bogoro as the more suitable location for Sayawa Chiefdom’s headquarters.
“Bogoro, being predominantly Sayawa, offers a fairer and more peaceful solution,” NSCIA said, adding that historical factors, such as the founding of Tafawa Balewa by the Fulani, further reinforced the unsuitability of the town as the chiefdom’s seat.
He noted that NSCIA has deep concern over the moral implications of the plan, referencing past violent clashes in Tafawa Balewa that resulted in significant Muslim casualties. It questioned the rationale behind granting the town to the Sayawa community as a headquarters.
Calling for reconsideration of the proposal, the NSCIA urged Governor Bala Mohammed to prioritise justice and peace by exploring alternative locations.
“The siting of the headquarters in Tafawa Balewa undermines principles of equity and risks reigniting long-standing conflicts,” the statement added.
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