Fulani community opposes inclusive traditional reforms in Bauchi
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Fulani community in Bauchi State, under the umbrella of Daddo Pulāku and allied Fulani associations, has opposed any inclusion under newly proposed Emirates or Chiefdoms.
They raised concerns over cultural identity, constitutional rights, and potential ethnic divisions.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday in Bauchi, Alhaji Aminu Tukur, representing the Fulani community, presented a formal position paper addressed to Governor Bala Mohammed, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, traditional institutions, and the media.
He explained that the paper was the result of broad consultations across the 20 local government areas of the state, involving Fulani elders, youths, women, scholars, professionals, and traditional titleholders.
Tukur reaffirmed the community’s allegiance to the six historic emirates Bauchi, Katagum, Misau, Ningi, Jama’are, and Dass where Fulani groups have lived peacefully for generations.
He emphasized the rejection of any forced inclusion into newly established ethnic-based traditional institutions.
He warned that such restructuring lacks historical and administrative justification, and could ignite unnecessary tensions. “We’ve seen how similar reorganizations in Plateau, Kaduna, and Taraba led to unrest,” he said.
Regarding the proposed Zaar (Sayawa) Chiefdom, Tukur stated the Fulani respect Zaar cultural aspirations but cannot accept subordination to an ethnic-exclusive institution.
“We are not opposed to their identity, but we cannot be part of a system that does not reflect our heritage or allegiance,” he added.
He urged the government to focus on education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure, rather than expanding traditional institutions without inclusive consensus.
“We seek only fairness and dignity in representation,” he concluded.
