Zaar traditionalists condemns MURIC for opposing creation of Zaar Chiefdom in Bauchi

By Samuel Luka, Bauchi

The Zaar Traditional worshipers in Bauchi state have condemned in its totality, a recent comment made by Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) against the creation of Zaar/Sayawa Chiefdom out of the present Bauchi Emirate in Bauchi state.

Mbami Iliya Sabka, Chief Priest of Zaar Traditional Worshipers who was reacting to MURIC’s open letter to Governor Bala Mohammed against the creation of the Chiefdom with headquarters in Tafawa Balewa town, referred MURIC to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which he said, explicitly prohibits the adoption of a state religion by the Government of the Federation or of a State, as outlined in Section 10.

“The Zaar community wishes to respond to the recent statement made by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) regarding the Governor of Bauchi State’s decision to create the Sayawa Chiefdom with its headquarters in Tafawa Balewa Township”, Sabka stated.

He noted that Section 38 guarantees every person the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, adding that the imposition of an Emirate Council exclusively in Bauchi State violates these constitutional rights.

According to the traditional worshippers, the Emirate system pertains solely to Muslims and not to Nigerians of other faiths.

“This practice is discriminatory and contravenes Section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, ethnicity, or social status”, Sabka said in a Press statement.

The Zaar Traditional worshipers described the Governor of Bauchi state as People’s Governor, known for his commitment to social justice.

“We find it troubling to respond to MURIC’s biased statements, however, it is necessary to address their actions, which violate Sections 10, 38, and 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution and risk causing religious conflict in a secular state”, Sabka pointed out.

The traditional worshippers further noted: “We urge MURIC to understand that no religion is superior to another in Nigeria. The Zaar community condemns MURIC’s position as it disregards the constitutional rights of non-Muslim Nigerians and promotes religious discrimination”.

“MURIC’s assertion that creating the Sayawa Chiefdom will lead to injustice against Muslims is unfounded. The proposed chiefdom does not undermine the rights of Muslims; rather, it seeks to ensure that the Sayawa people can practice their cultural and religious traditions without prejudice”, the Zaar people argued.

Sabka said good governance demands inclusivity and respect for all communities, irrespective of their religious affiliations.

The statement debunked MURIC’s reference to past religious conflicts in Tafawa Balewa, saying that it is misleading and inflammatory.

It said that the establishment of the Sayawa Chiefdom is a move towards healing and reconciliation, acknowledging the historical and cultural significance of the Sayawa people in Bauchi State.

The Chief Priest called on MURIC to cease its divisive rhetoric and support initiatives that promote harmony and mutual respect among all religious groups.

“The creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom is in line with the principles of justice, equity, and the constitutional mandate to protect the rights of all Nigerian citizens.

The traditional worshippers expressed trust that Governor Bala Muhammad will continue to champion the cause of social justice and uphold the constitutional rights of all communities in Bauchi State.