Kwararafa Royal Fathers Commend Jonathan, Allege Marginalisation
Traditional rulers of the Kwararafa ethnic nationalities rose yesterday from deliberations lasting over several hours where they unanimously passed a vote of confidence on President Goodluck Jonathan and also decried the marginalisation of their people.
His Majesty Attah Igala, Idakwo Ameh Oboni II who stood in for the Aku Uka, Dr Shekarau Angyu Masa-Ibi ,Kuvyo II,briefed journalists saying the royal fathers were worried about the fact that successive government had neglected the Kwararafa people in the scheme of affairs which had resulted in underdevelopment of their areas and people.
According to him the meeting would have been presided over by the Aku Uka of Wukari who was the head of the kwararafa empire, but could not be present due to the out break of violence in Wukari.
The Attah Igala argued that the tag of minority used to describe some ethnic nationalities is a misnomer as there is no tribe in the country which can claim to be a majority.
He further explained that the people of the ancient Kwararafa Kingdom which starts from who are now spread out in twenty-seven states and the FCT ( in the FCT they are found in four out of the six area councils. These, he listed, are Abaji, Bwari Gwagwalada and Zuba)are the major ethnic nationalities which had been schemed out of affairs because they are classified as minority.
But according to him, the people can be found in over 27 States of the Federation.
''Time has come for the people of Nigeria to accord the Kwararafa people their rightful place. Nobody should try and cover us with blanket or think we will not rise again to our former glory'' he said.
He further ascribed the long years of neglect or marginalization to lack of unity and even though they speak different or differing languages that itself is not a hurdle which can divide them.
Also speaking , the Ona of Abaji, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Baba Yusufu said the meeting marks a reawakening of the Kwararafa people, and urged his fellow traditional rulers to work with one resolve to achieve their objectives. ''We must work together for peace and unity of the people''He quipped. Other traditional rulers present also voiced the same commitment.
A minute silence was observed for those who lost their lifes in the Wukari crisis of Tuesday to Wednesday .
Those at the meeting include the Ngolong Ngas, His Royal Highness Chief Joshua Dimlong, the Miskhaham Maghavul, Chief Nelson Bakfur( plateau), His Royal Highness HRH Ufuwei Bonet - Chief of Kagoro ( Kaduna) , HRH Air Commodore Ishaku Komo rtd - Gung Zaar Sayawa( Bauchi) , HRM Ogamode Onah Ipoule, HRH Ogamode Edema Ipoule of Omaha2, HRH OgamodeOdji Ipoule of Okuku kingdom, HRH Emri Ipoule of Ojor clan, HH John Joe Ogar ( Cross-Rivers) HRH Alhaji Shaibu Sule - Ohinoyi of Gegu, HRH Alh. Ali Aba Walid - Ohiogba of Mozum, HRH Chief Emmanuel M. Egwuase - Amena Attah, . HRH Alh. Gambo I. Ahmadu - Onu Iduokolikm Atta, HRH Alh. Abu Sha'aba Okolo, HRH Vin David Yarda ( Kogi)
They agreed to convene regular cultural festivals and to encourage cross cultural visits among the tribes in the remaining states and among themselves.
Prayers were said for the President and the country
BARR CHRIS DANJUMA ABONGABY
(Secretary- General- Kwararafa Traditional Rulers Forum)