Alhaji Ya’u Shehu Abubakar, the District Head of Burra in Ningi local government area of Bauchi State has responded to a query served on him by the Chairman of the council.
WikkiTimes had reported how the District Head was served a query letter for “speaking against the illegal deforestation taking placing at Burra forest.”
Read Full Tex below:
From my shallow knowledge which requires updating anyway disciplinary procedures of traditional rulers are normally handled by the Emirate Council. That notwithstanding, I wish to acknowledge your letter Ref No. NLG/ADM/S/ORY/228/V.I dated 14th September 2021 yet to be formally received, on the above underlined subject matter. I had however thought that it should have been a letter of commendation acknowledging my invaluable service to the Local Government, Ningi Emirate Council, Bauchi State, Nigeria and humanity in general.
The first remark made in the letter is highly unbelievable, absolutely irritating and unrepresentative of my character, nature, temperament and personality. To suggest of me being disobedient and disrespectful to my superior officers is uncharitable considering my almost 30 years unblemished and glorious career in both the Bauchi State Service and the federal Public Service. I never had a verbal reprimand for any shortcomings. The Federal public service is absolutely heterogeneous, the ability to adjust, socialize and harmonize with all Nigerians was a remarkable thing. It is on record that my attributes of honesty, intelligence, interpersonal relation, decorum diplomatic touch, administrative acumen, kindness and detribalized disposition influenced my deployment to London for almost 6 years as the overseas representative of the NPA. After retiring in 2011, I still maintain excellent relations with NPA hence the attached letter for your perusal. I had served as an administrative officer in the cabinet and Administrative Secretariat of the Governor’s office Bauchi where I earned three letters of commendation. As a young officer, I had served as Secretary, Bauchi State Advisory Committee. I was the Secretary Task Force Committee on the improvement of Bauchi Airstrip. I was also the Secretary of the Task Force that commissioned the 1st phase of the Bauchi State Secretariat now Abubakar Umar Secretariat. My hard work, diligence, calmness and composure earned me an accelerated promotion with Bauchi State Government. The records are there for posterity.
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Similarly, in the last 9 years of my career as a traditional ruler, I have never had a quarrel or misunderstanding with any member of the Emirate Council or my colleagues, the District Heads. I equally never had any quarrel or misgivings with other palace staff. In the same spirit, I never had a verbal misunderstanding with all the previous Chairmen, Sole Administrators or Caretaker Chairmen. I never had a quarrel with any Director, HOD or staff of the Local Government. In fact, all and sundry have been supported and accommodated in my palace and Guest House in Burra including the present Chairman, both during his campaign and other visits. The Chairman had used my Guest House in Ningi to accommodate various guests. If the claim of being disobedient and disrespectful were to be correct, none of these will have been achieved. I got a letter of commendation on afforestation from the Local Government so also verbal from His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ningi. He uses my guesthouse in Ningi more than myself. He is the father of all anyway. For instance, if I do not respect the chairman or channel of communication administratively, how would the Governor ask me to write him a brief on Faza, an old settlement after initially briefing him verbally on the seeming conflict with Fulani nomads. I immediately declined in the presence of Hon. Nuhu Zaki and the Hon. Chairman. I requested the Governor to allow me to write him the brief through the chairman which the Governor eventually accepted. This was at the government lodge in Ningi. Ever since writing the brief through the chairman, I have now lost any chance or possibility of following it with the governor directly. This is absolutely respectful and official decorum. I always address the chairman, Hon. Chairman or Maigirma Chairman. I always give extraordinary compliments to His Royal Highness. If he gets unhappy or irritated, I am one of those few who try to calm him down.
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We are all mortals not infallible, I would say without fear of contradiction that nobody in the entire state ever held my privileged position not to talk of Ningi Emirate. As the NPA Overseas Representative, my audience and constituency is the entire globe. There had never been reported of failure or wrongdoing against me. You may wish to refer to Sura “AtTakathur” In the entire neighbourhood, I have interacted with all my neighbours harmoniously ie. Takai, Sumaila, Doguwa, Tudun-Wada all in Kano State. Sarkin Yakin Bauchi had called me on this Saran Daji episode. We communicate effectively. I wrote late SarkinYaki on the destruction in our forest.
The last paragraph of my reply had clearly shown practically my deep appreciation and strong inclination to observe and respect official communication channels administratively in an ideal situation. The Governor gave me a directive in the presence of the chairman along with the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy, it was only proper to do what I did by writing through the chairman. However, as a member of Chartered Institute of Administration, member Chartered Institute of Management and Fellow Institute of Shipping Technology etc. I know it is very difficult to have ideal situations all the time, particularly in a country ravaged by banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and wanton destruction of lives and properties. It is important for practitioners to know that information can flow vertically or horizontally. It should be understood that there is no absolutism in social science management or administration. Thus; why do we have what is called contingency approach or situational approach. The situation you find yourself is what will determine your communication methodology. You equally have what is called the doctrine of necessity. Before going into a deep analysis of different communication scenarios, let me answer the question or postulation raised in the query. However desperate situations will require desperate solutions occasionally.
Ever since I assumed the office as the District Head of Burra, it has not been my practice or character to be flaunting the official channel of communication. I am a professional administrator with deep knowledge and a wealth of experience. There is therefore no deliberate desire to undermine my profession. However, it must be understood that all over the world not even in the remotest environments like Burra the fluid nature of the society very much volatile and precarious will never be ideal for the application of such concepts, models and assumptions. The founding fathers of these concepts are mostly Europeans not Africans like Marx Waber a German Sociologist and a good number of them. You sometimes think out of the box. “Idan ruwa zai ci mutum koda tokobi zai kama domin tsira”
The Wanton destruction of our forest resources and settlements of nomads inside Lame/Burra had been on for about 10 years. We have various reports that the Lame portion had largely been consumed, hence their desperation to settle the nomads mostly coming from areas prone to banditry ie. Zamfara and Katsina States. Nothing has been done to evacuate them by the various governments. The settlements kept on increasing with people like Musan Gero and Yusuf Maikarfi and a host of others also moving into the area. The Hon. Chairman may recall that Hon. Nuhu Zaki had once asked you to invite me together with you to his office to discuss the matter particularly with news reaching him that Hon. Abdulmumin Liman Kyata together with some indigenes were establishing farmlands in the forest, you eventually called them to your office in Ningi along with Mal. Uba Ahmed and MusanGero. I don’t know what followed. The problem has persisted?
Recently, however, there was a strong rumour that the indigenes had also formed themselves into an Association hoping to get hectares of farmland carved out for them in the Reserve Like had been done to their counterparts in the Lame portion of the reserve. This rumour coupled with reported massive destruction of the reserve for timber, charcoal etc. compelled me to write to the chairman Ningi Local Government and copied Ningi Emirate Council, Zonal Forestry Officer in Ningi and the security apparatus within the LGA. Knowing fully well that the forest belongs to the state government by law but only located within the two LGAs of Toro and Ningi, I should have copied their Head Office in Yuga as well as Ministry of Forestry. I didn’t do so in order not to appear overzealous. I understand that the Hon. Speaker raise the issue with Governor in Abuja, the Governor’s first remark was that he hoped Sarkin Burra as his friend and confident should not be involved in this episode
Not too long after my letter to the chairman and in fact on the day of the last council meeting, the Village Head of Bashe and much later Kyata reported to me a mass invasion of the Forest by the so-called Association along with forest guards allocating farmlands. I reported this episode to the meeting with various opinions expressed. It was my opinion that the Association along with two village heads should be invited by the chairman along with us in order to find out the basis for their actions and take a further decision or advise them appropriately. Later on that night, the chairman called me intimating that after my departure that day, they had further discussed with His Royal Highness that we should take our hands completely out so that we would not be seen to be involved in the matter. That was the end of the discussion.
It was after this development that somebody hinted to me that, the Governor was in Abuja and had been briefed on the episode by the Speaker. I understand that the Governor was furious and prayed that I shouldn’t be involved as his long-standing friend and that he would not spare me for the confidence he entrusted in me. Subsequently, the speaker personally called me two times seeking further clarification and requested me to forward to him initially through the phone some documents on my efforts. The forest is called Lame/Burra that is made up of the two districts that necessitated the need to make all efforts to clear my good name. I never mentioned the name of anybody in Ningi Local Government except for the negligence or possible connivance of the forest guards. The speaker now asking me for clarification or documents, shall I ignore him or wait for external intervention? The Speaker is no.3 in the Government. He is expected to brief Sarki and the Chairman. I am also expected to do so
Similarly, about 3 weeks ago, the Governor had asked Hon. Sani Moh’d Burra, an Adviser to ask me to come and see him urgently possibly in the Lame/Burra forest. Can I ignore Governor’s invitation? The last time before this, it was the chairman who told Nuhu Zaki that I was in town in Bauchi when the Governor wanted to see me on the allegation of bandits invading the forest. We had far-reaching discussions with the Governor in the presence of Nuhu Zaki. The Governor was so much impressed and overwhelmed by my bravery he confessed. He stated that he didn’t know that I can be bold and courageous with my LONDON BACKGROUND. He told me that as his close friend I must also remain a confidant of the government on intelligence. I made a strong fledge to the Governor, he even promised some security cover. The Governor had also asked me to make an in-depth security appraisal for exco MEETING on the subject. You cannot talk of normal administrative communication on this issue. Sarkin Ningi had once remarked that if not for my remarkable efforts, his Emirate may have lost part of Burra. I will have never disclosed many issues, except for this query.
On the quoted letter of the Local Government Service Commission Ref No: LGSC/ADM/S/438/C.II of 17th June 2014 the circumstance leading to it must be clearly captured and highlighted. Following the move to create more districts, village areas and hamlets by the defunct Isa Yuguda Administration, of Ningi Emirate, was the last to be undertaken due to some perceived injustice and anomalies. During the traditional Sallah homage, the Emir made a passionate appeal to the Governor for Ningi not to be left as an island in the entire exercise. The Governor now asked the Emir to send and follow up his submission with the Local Government Service Commission after resolving the observed anomalies.
I certainly do not want to recollect old forgotten and resolved memories. However, regarding submission for new districts, the matter was reasonably discussed in the council and substantially agreed upon. The submission for village areas and hamlets did not follow the same pattern. There were glaring irregularities and a lack of insight into the peculiarities of the three districts which by their history are the three major tribes ie. Butawa, Fa’awa and Warjawa. I, therefore, politely went to the Emir to make some complaints, I drew his attention to what was agreed in the previous council meeting ie. Open discussions and consultations had been negated. He showed initial concern that yes, I had made points but it was too late since the submission had already been sent to the Commission. As an administrator, I told the Emir that since the matter had not yet been deliberated upon by the commission, there could be an addendum to correct such far-reaching mistakes.
The Emir suddenly got angry and stated that he will not do that unless if you want to go to court like Fa’awa and Warjawa did at different times. I left the Emir in this mood. After deeply reflecting, I resolved not to think of going to the court but took an administrative channel of appeal as an administrator. In my appeal letter to the government, I vividly raised some fundamental points of historical antecedents, affinity, administrative convenience, characters and characteristics plus historical evolution as Ningawa. It’s obvious that Ningi does not have typical Hausa Fulani culture and hegemony. There wasn’t a desire for disrespect or being rebellious. I was thinking of posterity. Not too long after my appeal letter, there were some petitions against the Emir with some abusive languages to do with the conduct of the exercise. The Emir possibly along with his close advisers concluded that it was myself that wrote them. Without asking me or setting up a committee to investigate the matter and come up with findings and recommendations, it was decided that I should be suspended by the Bauchi State Government. This is utterly against natural justice and fair hearing enshrined in the constitution. This was largely rejected by the Yuguda administration.
The government eventually conceded somehow to the request by asking them to bring forward whatever shortcoming they had against me. The Emirate Council, therefore, sent various other issues which were hitherto never raised against me and forwarded to the Commission.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere was getting charged with various letters of complaints sent to the government by me and other sources on the infringement of my dignity, liberty and freedom. The government finally invited me to Government House to meet Secretary to the State Government along with Executive Chairman, Local Government Service Commission. The SSG gave a message to the Governor. He stated that with all the issues forwarded initially against me that the state government could not get any concrete case against me. On one hand, I was very close to the Governor and the Emir is equally much closer as a father to him. Having gotten himself antagonized as a father to me as well that I should go to the palace to ask Sarki to kindly overlook whatever issues that had made him angry along the line. I told the SSG of my readiness to do that immediately, but in the presence of the SSG. Having stopped me from going to the palace and riding on horses during the Sallah festival, we should not take the situation lightly and for granted. There should be peace and peaceful coexistence. The SSG quickly agreed.
Precisely that was what brought the SSG along with the chairman Local Government Service Commission. I also came along with Burra Royal family members for the peaceful and amicable resolution of the protracted misunderstanding with no victor no vanquish. Sarki was extremely magnanimous that day. The SSG did not give any verbal warning but the message of peace and best wishes from the Governor. The Emir even remarked that he had fully forgiven whatever had happened but that I did not utter a word suggesting that I was possibly still holding grudges. Following Emir’s remark, I sought permission to offer closing prayer in which I publicly recited some important verses of the Holy Qur’an. The Emir finally asked Chiromahis eldest son who is equally my friend and elder brother to fully embrace me. We have ever remained together. Sarki stated that at a time Chiroma told him that he had surrounded himself with sycophants not telling him the truth on SarkinBurra. The Emir eventually called me asking me to bring to him a letter of advice sent to me sequel to the query letter in order for him to give it back to them to take it back to Bauchi thereby leaving no scar on the whole episode. I respectfully told the Emir that I had left the letter in Burra. Sarki must remain royal and forgiving, while we continue to learn as his children. The relationship keeps on improving tremendously.
Sequel to the dissolution of new District, Village Heads and Hamlets created by Yuguda, abusive letters were sent to His Royal Highness, which he suspected Ningi Royal families. Sarki appointed me as Chairman of the committee that resolved the matter, nothing ever happened
Regarding insinuation that the present Executive Governor of Bauchi State Sen. Abdulkadir Bala Mohammed making a political statement about me at the government lodge in Ningi is, to say the least, an act of blackmail, mischief and dragging an issue of outright hatred too far. May God forgive whoever holds such a dream? The Chairman invited me to come out from Burra on very short notice in order to receive the Governor. It was a rare privilege, I drove myself to Ningi, so as to receive His Excellency, upon arrival to the Government Lodge after going out to receive him. When he arrived at the sitting room of the government lodge I along with Sarkin Ari greeted him respectfully. The Chairman mentioned to his hearing that your Excellency Sarkin Burra is greeting you. I was in front. He replied cheerfully Sarkin Burra stand up and sit on the chair. Don Allah ka tashi ka zauna a kujera. We finally moved out and went to the reception area so as to allow him to say their prayer.
After a while, the Chairman came out quickly calling me to come and see the Governor along with him and Nuhu Zaki. The first issue the Governor raised was the kidnap of Mato Burra his coordinator. I informed him that we were all deeply concerned and were making desperate efforts including prayer given to me by the Emir of Ningi and also my financial involvement in the prayers. He told me of the money he sent in order to secure his release. I strongly thanked the Governor for all the assistance. He finally joked at me by saying that I had shamed him for not going into the forest to rescue my Kaura. Apart from that the Governor only raised the issue he directed at the Chairman regarding felling of trees rampantly and destruction of forest particularly, the issue of perceived conflict between the indigenes of Faza old settlement and a former Permanent Secretary taking over grazing area of the Fulanis. I quickly intervened since the matter affects Burra District. I informed the Governor that the matter came up based on security and intelligence advice from the DPO and other Security officials in Burra District. Kidnapped victims were being kept or hidden for ransom in such old settlements that became hiding places for criminals apart from the Lame/Burra forest. We jointly agreed to reduce such places by giving farmlands to our people for monitoring purposes. A lot of areas was left for hunting and grazing by herders. The Governor expressed concern that nobody had briefed him like that. He instantly requested me to send him a brief on the matter. I told him that I can only send him the brief through the Local Government Chairman which he eventually agreed in the presence of NuhuZaki. I had since given you the briefs which are now almost six months ago. That was the end of our discussion if I remember correctly. It was an honour for me to be asked to see the Governor alone in the whole crowd.
Finally, when the Governor came out and was going, I stopped him in order to introduce my colleagueSarkin Ari. The Governor acknowledged him and thanked him for the reception telling him that I am his long-standing friend no matter the situation. The Governor never made mention of political involvement.
Finally, upon the release of YayaAdamu and recovery of the Governor from Corona, His Excellency demonstrated the love and affection he has for me as follows:
(i) SarkinBurra among the traditional rulers in Bauchi State, you are my closest friend. And it was because of you that I forgave every other person during the political saga of my election.
(ii) Ibrahim Y.M. Baba followed, it is purely family affairs as his son.
(iii) And finally the Royal family of Bauchi. On that one, I told him that those are your in-laws who gave you a wife and children and the powerful traditional title of KAURAN BAUCHI. I was deeply touched by his honest and sentimental remark on me. I thanked him and God for the healing. This was in the presence of his Chief of Staff, Permanent secretary Government House, Director Protocol, PDP Chairman Hamza Akuyam and other supporting staff of His Excellency. In any case, the Governor had long ago publicly forgiven everybody in the State. As a dependable friend, the Governorequally stood by me in my successful federal service career I led the Governor and others during the Isha’i prayer at the Government House that very day, another privilege. Allah gives power and authority.
It is on record that YayaAdamu as a senior colleague and brother at GSS Azare purposely came to the Emir to convince Sarki for me to be SarkinBurra. YerimanDuguri was in the same house and room with me at GSS Azare as my senior, Y.M. Baba after the interview at GSS Bauchi enlisted me into his school GSS Azare. Allah yaJikansa. I certainly do not have adequate words to express my appreciation to their family. The BurraRoyal family compelled me to be their ruler. Both my parents are members of the same family. We have so far legacies of several meaningful developmental projects in the community. I have secured a police division, military base, built Upper Sharia Court, Magistrate Court, set up a modern guest house, set up three major Islamiya schools. A lot of people can be jealous of these along with several other developments in the community, it is Allah’s wish. As human beings we are fallible and subject to mistakes, we must ask Allah for forgiveness and our leaders for understanding.
Attached herewith are copies of several letters of commendations for perusal and retention.
Y.S. Abubakar
SarkinBurra/District Head of Burra
