Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has expressed disappointment with the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) over its stance on designating Tafawa Balewa as the headquarters of the proposed Sayawa Chiefdom, WikkiTimes reports.
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The governor made these remarks during a Christmas visit by the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state. He revealed that the NSCIA rejected the decision, describing it as “a recipe for ethno-religious conflicts.”
Governor Mohammed criticized the absence of an opportunity to present his case before the apex Islamic body.
“I will not join issues with the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs because I am a member, but I felt highly disappointed,” he said. “There are some matters on which I could have been asked to explain myself, but I was not given the benefit of the doubt or the opportunity for explanation. Certainly, I know there is a lot of incitement in the matter.”
The governor assured the Christian leaders that he would engage with the NSCIA to address the contentious issues. “On behalf of the people of Bauchi, I will reach out to them; it is my duty,” he added.
Governor Mohammed outlined the efforts made by his administration toward creating the Sayawa Chiefdom, which has been a long-standing source of conflict in the state.
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“Recently, we have made significant progress toward its actualization. We have set up various committees, held community engagements, and organized stakeholders’ meetings to address thorny issues such as the selection process, credibility, and the choice of the headquarters. However, there are still contentious issues rooted in age-old suspicion and mistrust,” he explained.
The governor reaffirmed his dedication to peace and called for unity among the parties involved. “Despite unprovoked attacks on me, I will swallow my pride and continue working towards peace. It is a win-win situation where both sides will benefit,” he stated.
He also appealed to the Bauchi Emirate and the Muslim community to accept the decision. “We must live amicably. Peace is paramount,” he said.
Governor Mohammed acknowledged the Christian community’s support throughout his political career.
“You have voted for me as a senator, a first-term governor, and a second-term governor, irrespective of the mischief sometimes attributed to me. I know I can be controversial, but you continue to believe in me,” he remarked.
The governor urged Christians in the state to continue praying for leaders to deliver projects addressing hunger and food insecurity.
“It is my responsibility to recognize our minorities and ensure their inclusion in governance,” he concluded
