The Adamawa State Government has denied media reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was removed as Wazirin Adamawa.
This clarification came after a circular was released by the state government stating that only individuals from specific districts are eligible to be kingmakers and members of an emirate council.
This policy was widely interpreted in the media as a move to strip Atiku Abubakar of his title.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Iliya James, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, clarified that the new policy does not strip anyone of their title.
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He stated that the reforms are part of a broader strategy to modernize traditional institutions and align them with constitutional roles and cultural preservation, and are not directed at any specific individual or group.
“It has come to the government’s attention that certain narratives in the public space suggest that recent decisions concerning chieftaincy matters are politically motivated or aimed at specific persons. We firmly refute these claims,” the statement read.
James further explained that the letter from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is “self-explanatory.”
He clarified that while those who were given titles under the previous system can keep them, they must renounce their kingmaker duties.
This is to ensure that “the true indigenes of the local governments concerned can be selected as kingmakers.”
The commissioner emphasized that Governor Umaru Fintiri is committed to preserving Adamawa’s cultural heritage while ensuring traditional rulers operate within legal and accountability frameworks.
He added that the ongoing legislative review aims to improve coordination, resolve disputes, and promote unity within traditional institutions.
The current bill even allows for individuals from other ethnic groups, such as Yoruba or Igbo, to become a kingmaker or council member in Adamawa.
James also noted that the previous laws governing traditional institutions were outdated before the current administration took office.
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