By Frank Ulom
The Government of Cross River State has mandated the leadership of the Hausa/Fulani community in the state to write an apology letter debunking the “Emir of Calabar” title allegedly bestowed on one of its leaders.
This is coming from the Department of Special Services, Governor’s Office, in reaction to a trending post made by one Hajiya Amina Muhammed on July 12, 2022, after the coronation of Alhaji Garba Lawan as the leader of the Hausa/Fulani Muslim community in the state.
“EID-EL-KABIR GREETINGS FROM HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE EMIR OF CROSS RIVER STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, ALHAJI GARBA.
He Prays for the Peace and Unity In the State Cross River And NIGERIAN at Large.
We, The Entire Hausa Women in Cross River State, We are Saying a Very Big THANK YOU,
Your Royal Highness Sarkin Hausawa.
Hajiya Amina Muhammed”, the post from Hajiya Amina Muhammed read.
The post, THE PARADISE NEWS learned attracted a lot of comments including one from Mustapha Gembu, which stated thus:
“Agbor Florence The latest state with an emirate is Cross River and the name of the emir is His Royal Highness Alhaja Garba the 1st class emir of Calabar, soon 2nd class emira as subordinate across the LGAs will emerge.
The emir intends to ensure the leadership of ensuring peace, equity, fairness, and harmonious consistency prevail across Calabar and the Cross River at large.
The emir is also saddled with the responsibility of Islamization of Cross Rivers and its environs.
Nobody claim landlord, the real owners of the land called Nigeria from Sokoto down to the Atlantic Ocean is the Fulanis.
For more clarity, kindly inbox me for private charts.
Thanks”.
Speaking while meeting with the leaders and stakeholders of the Hausa/Fulani community in Calabar on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, the Permanent Secretary of Special Services, Governor’s Office, Sir Alfred Mboto said on no account should any member of the public address any Hausa/Fulani leader as “Emir” in Cross River State as this is not acceptable in the state, noting that the state is known for peace and tranquillity.
Mboto further stated that at the time of the meeting, the publisher of the Facebook write-up has not been identified while suing for peace amongst the people.
In separate speeches, the leader of the Hausa/Fulani Muslim community in the state Alhaji Garba Lawan, the Chief Imam Imam Kabeer Olowdayemi and other leaders of the Hausa/Fulani community in the state appreciated Mboto for wading into the matter, saying apologies will be tendered immediately as they are not sure of the publisher.
They pleaded that the scenario will not repeat itself as the community will remain law abiding to the state government.
Highlighting the resolution by the State Government, the State Security Adviser Central, Mr Ransome Odey said amongst the resolutions are:
•No leader of the Hausa/Fulani community should be addressed as Emir.
• No leader of the Hausa/Fulani community should have or be seen with palace guards.
•No leader of the Hausa/Fulani community should be seen with men with swords.
• That the leadership of the Hausa/Fulani community must report to the State Government any illegal activities around its environs.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor on Chieftaincy Mr Adoga Ifop stated that on account should the Hausa/Fulani community issue a chieftaincy title in the state as issuance of chieftaincy tittles is not part of their duties.
Also present at the meeting were the State Security Adviser (North), Mr Murphy Ntol, the State Security Adviser (South), Mr Henry Okokon amongst other security experts.
Recall that there is only one first-class monarch in Calabar in the person of Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V.
