The Bauchi State Muslim Parliament (BSMP) has firmly rejected the proposed siting of Sayawa Chiefdom’s headquarters in Tafawa Balewa town, a move they argue disregards historical and cultural realities.
Chairman of the Parliament Yusuf Abdullahi said this on Monday during a press conference in Bauchi.
He explained that while they do not oppose the creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom as a constitutional right, they “reject in totality the Bauchi State government’s insistence to site the headquarters of the Sayawa Chiefdom in Tafawa Balewa.”
Abdullahi argues that Tafawa Balewa historically belongs to the Fulani community, citing “historical facts established by reliable resources and evidence of relics and data.”
He said several committees the Bauchi government set up on the creation of Sayawa Chiefdom recommended headquarters be sited in Bogoro, and acknowledged Tafawa Balewa as a Fulani settlement.
“Nowhere in a democratic culture, the world over, is found that injustice and lawlessness by certain groups [are] rewarded with unfairness and denial of rights to other groups,” Abdullahi said.
He also appealed to the Bauchi State House of Assembly, where the legislative decision now rests, urging lawmakers to act with “equity and fairness” and legislate against siting the chiefdom in Tafawa Balewa.
“As Honourable Members bestowed with such political power, we urge them to stand on the side of justice and fairness and write their names on the annals of history,” he added.
Abdullahi argued that relocating the headquarters to Tafawa Balewa would only deepen longstanding tensions. “The Muslim community of Tafawa Balewa calls for reasoning, political self-restraint, and dignifying principles of fairness,” he said.
He said the BSMP remains staunchly in favour of siting the proposed chiefdom’s headquarters elsewhere, noting that Tafawa Balewa’s original inhabitants were “displaced and dispossessed of their lives and properties.” They concluded by calling for “justice for the unjustly treated” in the ongoing debate.
