Gongola People’s Forum Supports Creation of New Chiefdoms and Emirates in Adamawa
The Gongola People’s Forum (GPF) has expressed its full backing for Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s decision to establish new chiefdoms and emirates in Adamawa State. The organization commended the governor for restoring the traditional cultural rights of the indigenous people, rights that had been undermined during the colonial era due to indirect rule.
Barrister Leonard Nzadon, the National Secretary of GPF, made the remarks during a press conference in Yola on Monday. He praised Governor Fintiri for taking a significant step towards restoring the cultural autonomy of the indigenous people, who, according to Nzadon, had been subjected to feudal serfdom under the previous administration.
The GPF emphasized that the creation of these new chiefdoms and emirates is in line with the ideals of freedom, empowering the people of Gongola to break free from the lasting effects of colonialism and previous leadership structures. Nzadon strongly rejected claims that the governor’s reforms were meant to target specific groups within the state, calling such accusations misleading. Instead, he asserted that the governor’s actions benefit the entire state, particularly marginalized groups.
The new chiefdoms and emirates created under the reforms are:
- Hoba Chiefdom with headquarters in Hong (2nd-Class Status)
- Madagali Chiefdom with headquarters in Gulak (2nd-Class Status)
- Michika Chiefdom with headquarters in Michika (2nd-Class Status)
- Fufore Emirate with headquarters in Fufore (2nd-Class Status)
- Gombi Chiefdom with headquarters in Gombi (3rd-Class Status)
- Maiha Emirate with headquarters in Maiha (3rd-Class Status)
- Yungur Chiefdom with headquarters in Dumne (3rd-Class Status)
The reforms are seen as a corrective step towards empowering historically sidelined communities in Adamawa. The state House of Assembly passed the Adamawa State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) and Matters Incidental Thereto bill on 10 December, and Governor Fintiri signed it into law on 16 December.
GPF lauded the governor’s initiative, noting that it marks a positive turn for the state’s governance and the cultural rights of its indigenous people.
