By Emmanuel Kwada
A storm of controversy has erupted in Adamawa State, Nigeria, following inflammatory comments made by Sheikh Salihu A. A. Imam from Bauchi. The Mallam, Sheikh Salihu, launched a scathing attack on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration, accusing it of demoting the Lamido of Adamawa by reducing the local government areas under his jurisdiction from 8 to 3.
Afraimu Paul Turaki, Publicity Secretary of the Bachama Traditional Council, has vehemently condemned the Sheikh Salihu’s utterances, describing them as a blatant attempt to sow discord and incite Muslims against Christians in the state. Turaki denounced the Sheikh Salihu’s allegations, emphasizing that the creation of new districts was a deliberate effort to foster development and progress in Adamawa State.
The Mallam’s statements are a reckless attempt to inflame tensions and create disunity among the people of Adamawa State
Turaki’s condemnation was swift and unequivocal. “The Mallam’s statements are a reckless attempt to inflame tensions and create disunity among the people of Adamawa State,” he declared. “We will not stand idly by while individuals like this Mallam seek to destroy the harmony and cohesion that exist among our people.”
Turaki also took umbrage with the Mallam’s accusation that Governor Fintiri was aiding “infidels” to take over authority in the state. “This is a baseless and malicious allegation that has no foundation in fact,” Turaki asserted. “The governor’s administration has always been committed to promoting the welfare and well-being of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation.”
We will not stand idly by while individuals like this Mallam seek to destroy the harmony and cohesion that exist among our people
The Bachama Traditional Council has called on the Adamawa Emirate, the state government, and security agencies to investigate the Mallam’s statements and take appropriate action. “We demand that the relevant authorities take immediate action to address this situation and prevent further inflammatory remarks from being made,” Turaki stated.
In a gesture of solidarity, Turaki apologized to the Bachama, Bata, and the entire Christian community on behalf of the Mallam. “We recognize that the Mallam’s comments do not reflect the views of the majority of our people, and we apologize for any offense or distress that may have been caused,” he said.
As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Adamawa State will not tolerate inflammatory rhetoric that seeks to divide them along religious or ethnic lines.