The Northern Nigeria Youth Organisation (NNYO) has called for peace among the Hausa/Fulani traditional rulers in Lagos state.
Speaking at a round table discussion in Lagos, NNYO said the conflict in the Hausa/Fulani traditional institution has lingered for years, adding that there should be a stop.
The convener of the dialogue, Amb Sani Salisu Danmuttaqa said being a Northerner, a Nigerian and a member of NNYO made him to promote peace, unity and youth development.
“Lagos state has been a peculiar state where we have different ethnic nationalities from northern Nigeria. We cannot achieve this aim or target without mediating where there is crisis, conflict and bitterness.
“We want history to note that we’ve also added many values in promoting reconciliation among the warring factions.
“As chairman of Northern Nigerian Youth Organisation and member of different organisations in Northern extraction, I would like to see our traditional institutions, most especially the Hausa/Fulani, unite
the same way other ethnic nationalities of Northern Nigeria residing in Lagos are living peacefully,” Danmuttaqa
He lamented that there was only one Nupe institution, one Igala institution, one Tiv institution, one Igbira institution, one Kanuri institution and one Gbagi institutions, why not having a united Hausa/Fulani institution?
“We want the same to be applied to the Hausa /Fulani institution being the majority in the state. So, if we can have that voice as one entity, it would enhance our empowerment, our development, our chances of growth and add value to Lagos state and the north.
“This is the mission. It is the reason we are organising the Arewa
Roundtable. We are also planning a maiden peace and unity conference.
“We won’t be able to achieve the bigger conference we are planning
that’s why we’ve started this reconciliation,” Danmuttaqa said.
According to him, “other groups are coming to this platform. None of them is discriminated against in this Northern Nigeria Youth Organisation.
“You will find a Christian, a Muslim; in the Christian, you will find Pentecostal, you will find a Catholic; in Muslim, you will find Izala, you will find a Tijaniyya, you will find Igbira, you will find Kanuri, you will find Nupe, you will find Hausa, you will even find Fulani that become the Hausas, you can see even the Yoruba of the North that are part of Kwara and Kogi, we are all together but our problem is the Hausa/Fulani just because of their interest.
“If the interest can be resolved and standardised and Lagos state government can also put their own rules in appointing Sarkis or
whatever will become leader of any ethnic nationality all this problem
will be solved.
“Some people are gaining from this division. We don’t want that to happen again.
“We know it is a big project we are embarking on. I could remember vividly when I met the Ono of Igala, Lagos State, His Royal Highness Alhaji Say, he asked me can you do it? And I said yes, and
he said if you can do it I will definitely support you. I said I can do it, it’s a matter of idea, it’s not a matter of money, it’s not a matter of a calibre of who you are, it’s a matter of commitment, focus and sacrifice to ensure that we end this problem and we will do it by the grace of God.
The moderator of the programme, Comrade Garba Mohammed Auwal said as a Hausa man from Yobe State, he resides in part of Oyo State.
“I’ve been there for the past 47 years, I had my primary school, secondary School, my business and my family are all there. As a member of NNYO, our mission is to see how the community and the environment live in peace and harmony.
“By the time they invited me to be a moderator, I welcomed the idea because I’ve been having this mission to see how we can bring our community and our people together in order to progress,” he said.
The meeting had in attendance, families of Dogara and Kabiru that have been having disagreements.
Isa Buhari who spoke on behalf of Kabiru family, said they are ready for peace.
“We are ready for peace so that we can move together as one family. I will go back and deliver the message to my family as they ask me to represent them here today. It shows that we are ready for peace,” he said.
Yau Musa Sakaba who spoke for the Dogara’s family, also said they are ready for the peace.
“As you can see my friend here, barrister, we are always together in one or two programmes. We have a very big task ahead. I am assuring you my family will give you all the support you need to achieve this peace,” he said.
Other speakers during the roundtable included the special guest, Alhaji Ismaila Musa Bamakawa Walin Lagos, Alhaji Ado Shuiabu Dansudu, Alhaji Jubirin Abdulrashid Sarkin Samari Lagos and Alhaji Say Mohammed
Danmasani Lagos.
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While speaking, Alhaji Bamakawa said, “I am truly happy with this August meeting because it’s something I’ve been hoping for; to live in unity and for our traditions to have a rooted stand here in Lagos”.
Alhaji Ado Shuiabu Dansudu said they would keep on working hard to unite not only the traditional rulers but also politicians and traders.
The Sarkin Samari of Lagos, Alhaji Jubrin Abdulrashid said if there is no peace, it would affect their institutions.
“We have to unite both Christian and Muslim from the North. We must forget about tribalism and religious difference. Peace is the only solution for everything,” he added.
The Dan Masani Lagos, Alh Say Mohammed urged the traditional rulers to embrace peace not only for their benefit, but for the
benefit of the Northerners in Lagos State.