By Sunday Elijah
The Bachama Traditional Council has condemned the inflammatory comments made by Sheikh Salihu A. A. Imam, a Bauchi – based Islamic cleric, describing them as a blatant attempt to sow discord and incite religious tensions in Adamawa State.
Sheikh Salihu launched a scathing attack on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration, accusing it of demoting the Lamido of Adamawa by reducing the local government areas under his jurisdiction from eight to three.
Afraimu Paul Turaki, Publicity Secretary of the Bachama Traditional Council, denounced these remarks, emphasizing that the creation of new districts was a deliberate effort to foster development and progress in Adamawa State.
“The Mallam’s statements are a reckless attempt to inflame tensions and create disunity among the people of Adamawa State,” Turaki declared. “We will not stand idly by while individuals like this Mallam seek to destroy the harmony and cohesion that exist among our people.”
Turaki also refuted the cleric’s accusation that Governor Fintiri was aiding “infidels” to take over authority in the state.
“This is a baseless and malicious allegation that has no foundation in fact,” Turaki asserted.
“The governor’s administration has always been committed to promoting the welfare and well-being of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation,” he added.
The Bachama Traditional Council has called on the Adamawa Emirate, the state government, and security agencies to investigate the Mallam’s statements and take appropriate action.
“We demand that the relevant authorities take immediate action to address this situation and prevent further inflammatory remarks from being made,” Turaki stated.
In a gesture of solidarity, Turaki apologized to the Bachama, Bata, and the entire Christian community. “We recognize that the Mallam’s comments do not reflect the views of the majority of our people, and we apologize for any offense or distress that may have been caused,” he said.
