Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has announced sweeping traditional and administrative reforms aimed at promoting inclusion and peaceful coexistence among communities in Kagara Emirate, directing that the traditional title of Sarkin Fulani (Ardo) be abolished and replaced with positions that place Fulani on the same footing as other ethnic groups within the traditional institution.

Speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers, community leaders and residents in Kagara, Governor Bago said the reforms were designed to ensure that every community living in the area enjoys equal representation and access to traditional leadership structures.

The governor stressed that the government had no intention of targeting any ethnic or social group but was determined to restore order and justice.

“We did not come here to destroy anyone. We came here to set things straight. We are on good terms with everyone,” Bago said.

“Unless a person has the character of Pharaoh or if he is the devil himself he will be displeased today. How can a person just go and kill someone? People are being killed even though they are not in their own traditional homelands. Is this a war that is being fought?”

In one of the major announcements, the governor directed the Emir to discontinue the use of the title Sarkin Fulani and instead integrate Fulani leaders into the mainstream district administration.

“Your Highness, I am giving directives: I do not want to hear the title ‘Sarkin Fulani’ within your district council anymore,” he declared.

“Instead, make him a District Head (Hakimi). Appoint representatives (Dakaci) for the Fulani, just as representatives are appointed for every other tribe.”

Bago said the objective was not to diminish the Fulani but to elevate their status within the traditional institution by giving them the same opportunities enjoyed by other communities.

“If you have one, let him serve as a proper District Head or representative.”

He further directed the Emirate Council to ensure that all ethnic groups residing in the area have recognised representatives within the palace.

“Give the Gwari their representation; give the Igbo their representation; give the Nupe their representation. Everyone should have a representative in His Highness’s palace.”

According to him, such representation would improve communication between communities and the traditional institution while ensuring that grievances are addressed promptly.

“Give them local representation so their people can lodge complaints whenever something goes wrong.”

The governor also called on district heads to demonstrate genuine leadership.

“A district head should be a true leader. There are those who eat the title of ‘King’ and those who act as true leaders.”

Beyond ethnic representation, Bago proposed broader community inclusion by directing that recognised leaders be appointed for different segments of society.

“Let there be leaders appointed for Islamic scholars, leaders for pastors, and leaders for community elders.”

As part of measures to tackle rising communal disputes, Governor Bago announced an immediate ban on the sale of land across Kagara Local Government Area.

“Starting today, the state government has banned all land sales in Kagara Local Government Area.”

He said any proposed land transaction must first receive the approval of both the Emirate Council and the state government.

“Whether it is your farm or your family home, before you sell it, you must bring the issue to the Emirate Council and to the government, and sign the official documentation.”

The governor lamented that indiscriminate land sales had contributed to the displacement of long-established farming and pastoral communities.

“How can you drive away herders and farmers who have been farming in this town for over a hundred years? They are living here, intermarrying with your children, and living together peacefully. Yet, because someone brings you money, you later claim you sold the land and that they must vacate. Where are they supposed to go?”

He reassured residents that every law-abiding citizen has the constitutional right to live peacefully anywhere in Nigeria.

“Let everyone live in peace. Everyone here is a Nigerian, and the Constitution of Nigeria gives everyone the right to live peacefully wherever they choose, as long as they live in peace.”

The governor also emphasised that all ethnic communities including the Kamuku, Bungu, Gwari, Fulani, Hausa, Kadara, Nupe, Igbo and settlers from Kwara State remain integral parts of the area’s social fabric.

“From Kamuku to Bungu, Gwari, Fulani, Hausa and Kagara everyone should remain in their land.” The people of Kamuku, Kaimuku, Bungu, Bura, and even the settlers from Kwara everyone belongs here.”

Governor Bago equally issued a stern warning to members of vigilante groups, popularly known as Yan Sa Kai, accusing some of exceeding their mandate through extortion, unlawful taxation and other criminal activities.

“Let me tell the vigilantes clearly: you are vigilantes on your own accord. If we wish, and we do not want your vigilante activities, we will disband you.” Nobody asked you to go into towns, collect taxes from people, seize their new phones, kill people, or engage in extortion and armed robbery.”

He also directed that an individual identified as “Bawashe” and a district head in Tegina be brought before him over issues requiring government attention.

The governor said the reforms form part of broader efforts by the Niger State Government to strengthen traditional institutions, promote equal participation among all communities and address the underlying causes of communal tension and insecurity in the area. (Zagazola)

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