The Tafawa Balewa Town Development Association (TABTODA) has opposed Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s decision to designate Tafawa Balewa town as the headquarters of the proposed Sayawa Chiefdom.
DAILY POST recalls that Mohammed, who recently received the report from the committee on the creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom, had pledged to establish the throne in Tafawa Balewa town.
But speaking at a press conference in Bauchi on Monday, the Secretary of TABTODA, Yunusa Ado, expressed the group’s disapproval.
According to him, while they had long agreed to the creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom to promote peace in the area, they would not accept the inclusion of Tafawa Balewa town within the chiefdom’s domain, let alone hosting its headquarters.
“We have repeatedly communicated this position to His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed, through various well-respected individuals and groups,” Ado stated.
He further explained that Tafawa Balewa town, founded by the Fulani people and named after the Fulani phrase for “black stone,” does not belong to the Sayawa community.
“All villages and settlements in Tafawa Balewa are not Sayawa villages. How can they be made to pay allegiance to a Sayawa Chiefdom?” he questioned.
Ado cited findings from past commissions of inquiry into the Tafawa Balewa crises, which consistently concluded that Tafawa Balewa is not a Sayawa town, adding that the reports recommended establishing the Sayawa Chiefdom in Bogoro Local Government Area instead.
He also accused the recent fact-finding committee set up by the government of bias, claiming it excluded key stakeholders from Tafawa Balewa.
“The committee was formed clandestinely and lacked transparency,” he alleged.
Ado urged Governor Mohammed to reconsider his decision, warning that disregarding reasonable advice would be unjust.
He added that the presence of security personnel in Tafawa Balewa had prevented displaced persons from returning to the area.
“If the government withdraws the security operatives, we will reclaim our land,” he said.
Sayawa Chiefdom: Group rejects Tafawa Balewa as proposed headquarters
