ZAZZAU STATE: NOT IN OUR GRAVES

BY

Isah Mohammed Abbass

INTRODUCTON:

Culturally, Zaria Emirate was heterogeneous and it was possible to draw a distinction between the Hausa Fulani group of the Northern part and other social groups concentrated in the southern districts. The Emirate was divided into 15 districts, which served as the unit of the Na territorial administration. All districts lying North of Kaduna were usually regarded as northern districts, and consisted of , Ikara, Soba Makarfi, Kubau, Giwa, Sabon Gari, Zaria da kewaye and Igabi. The Southern districts consisted of Chikum, Kajuru, Kacia, Kagorko and Zangon Kataf, Kauru and Lere (AD YAHAYA, 1974, P14).

We have been informed that the antiquity of the word or name ZAZZAU was derived

from the famous sward said to have been honoured by all ZAGE-ZAGI for many

centuries. This, in itself, gave ZAGE-ZAGI an ethnic and unique identity long before

any institutionalized king was recognized.

The territory made of the current nine out of the eighteen local government areas of the

present Kaduna State (Markafi, Ikara, Kaduna North, Soba Giwa, Kaduna South Igabi,

Sabon Gari and Zaria), where a demand for a state to be created has for long been made,

is therefore the core of and referred to as ZAZZAU since time immemorial and

acknowledged far beyond. ZAGE-ZAGI (people of the core ZAZZAU territory) have

therefore explicitly resolved and express that the struggle now and ever before us is to

unearth and surmount all forces that have continued to destroy our identity, rights,

relevance and indeed our history and prosperity.

We are further informed, for example, that the fifteenth century ZAZZAU, particularly during the

unprecedented reign of the legendary Queen Amina, the first formidable and powerful Hausa

Empire was established. The fame of ZAZZAU kingdom was known far and wide, like the

famous falcon in the birds’ kingdom. Hence, ZAZZAU territorial control extended over many

areas as far as the Benue and Niger rivers’ confluence to the south and to some extent or in some

form over Bauchi, Kano and Daura (Adeleye, 1971, p5). In Kano chronicle, we are further told

that:

Zaria under Queen Amina conquered all the towns as far as Kwararafa Nupe. Every town paid tribute to her. The sarkin Nupe sent forty eunuchs and ten thousand kolas to her. She first had eunuchs and kolas in Hausa land. Her conquest extended over thirty-four years. In her time the whole of the products of the west were brought to Hausa land (T. Hodgkin 1960 P106)

However, the sixteenth century Leo Africanus’ report on Zaria shows, in part that the

kingdom of ZEGZEG (ZAZZAU) and “the inhabitants are rich and have great traffique

with other nations (Ibid P. 130). Thus, since the demise of the famous Queen up to the

Caliphal ZAZZAU and especially during the colonial era, the boundaries of ZAZZAU,

from all directions, have continued to be drawn and redrawn to suit the socio-political

exigencies of the time.

Recent history of ZAZZAU further indicates that when British imperialism and

colonialism succeeded in imposing its hegemony over the territory, the vastness of ‘Kasar

ZAZZAU’ (ZAZZAU land area) was extremely amorphous and the communities diverse

than any other political entity in and around the region. The vastness of the land area and

the diversified features of the communities have constituted a major source of political

and economic power but at the same time posed incessant and fundamental socio-

political and cultural frictions amongst the diverse communities in the entire region.

This composition is problematic and resulted in the balkanization of the entire ZAZZAU

and later bastardization and maginalization of the core ZAZZAU areas and the people. In

other words, the entire ZAGE-ZAGI were systematically crippled in the economic and

political angles. Whereas most of the hitherto vassals of ZAZZAU have been remarkably

transformed over and above their former overlordship while core ZAZZAU on the other

hand has, in all its entirety, receded lower and below most of its former vassal states.

ZAZZAU: AN HISTORIC SKETCHIt is therefore necessary to capture the perspective of the graphic growth or development

of ZAZZAU on the one hand and its decline or near collapse on the other. It must be

emphatically and categorically stated that the hitherto much talked about the fame and

power of ZARIA, the capital of ZAZZAU empire, it has now been pitifully reduced to an

archival structure; rendered, transformed and seen only as an architectural museum and

monuments and the best any bona fide Bazazzagi can now do is to murmur words of

great lamentations.

Zaria province was constituted in 1902 after the overthrown of the government of the

ZAZZAU Kingdom by the advancing British Colonial Forces; with rivers Gurara and

Gulbin being the Southern and We4stern boundaries respectively. In the Eastern corner

however, Gadas was one of the most famous towns of the province. The province, as was

initially constituted, covered an area of more than 20,000 square miles. These covered

vast and diversified areas and peoples running as far as Katsina in the north, Wushishi

and Zungeru in the West and as far South as kwattio, Keffi, Nasarawa, Doma and the

Benue River etc. thus.,

The Zaria Emirate was territorially the largest of the Fulani Emirates, extending as far as, and including Jema’a Darroro and Keffi. But in 1902, as a punishment for the murder of Capt. Maloney, at Keffi by the Magajin Keffi, one of the Emir Kwasau’s fief holders, the lower Benue provinces, as they were originally named, were taken from Zaria, the Gurrara River becoming the new boundary (Gazetteers, 1972 p26)

As a result of this reorganization, Keffi, Nasarawa; Lafia, Abuja and Jema’a were

removed from the suzerainty of the Emir of Zaria and declared independent which

consequently gave birth to the emergence of Nasarawa province. However, in 1905,

Zaria province was divided into three Administrative Divisions strictly divided on socio-

ethnic configuration, geographical contiguity and major features of socio-cultural line so

as to have proper and convenient administration.

For instance, Zaria Division was composed of entirely Hausa/Fulani portion of the

Emirate, while Kachia Division included pagan Districts to the South East, and thirdly,

the Wushishi Division included some sixteen ‘Independent’ communities, some of them

Hausa but mostly Gwari. This large area to the West, chiefly inhabited by the Gwari

tribes was separately administered as Brining Gear and Wushishi or Swagman Division

whose principal Chiefs were given the rank of second class Chiefs.

In 1907, the headquarters of the Western Division was removed from Wushishi to Kuta.

In another development however, particularly in 1908, the Western half of Zaria

province, comprising Kwogoma and Kuta; was transferred to the Nupe province. It

should be recalled however that since 1904 the Southern part of Zaria province,

comprising the Districts of Lere, Chawai, Kauru, Katan, Kachia, Bishini and Kajuru,

classically and technically referred to as Hausa ‘enclaves’ was placed under the control of

a political officer. This portion of the province was called the Southern Division. In

1913, further provincial reorganization took place. For instance in 1914, the Districts of

Kangaro from Keffi Division, Jere and Janjalla Districts from Abuja Division were

transferred to Zaria from Nasarawa province.

ZAZZAU had a number of vassal states, which were put under its suzerainty at least

since the mid fourteenth century. Among those that were put under its umbrella and

control, especially during the late seventeenth century, were Keffi, Nasarawa, Jema’an

Darroro, Doma, Lafiya, Kwatto (Otukpo) etc. Keffi, for instance, come under the shade

of Zaria control in 1902. Furthermore, the adventure of such control went as far as Lapai.

Jema’a on the other hand was formed in 1910 and the ZAZZAU Fulani hegemony was

thus established at Kafanchan. It should therefore be noted that the party or gathering of

Fulani (Jema’a) who settled at mountain of Daroro, represented by their leaders in

Kafanchan previously went to Zaria to seek and obtain recognition and flag from the

Emir, Mallam Musa.

However, Zaria forces subsequently subdued Kajuru. Jema’a therefore overran many of

the communities after launching a series of raids in the 1802. these communities

included the Ayu part of Numaa, the Gwandara, the Moroa, the Kaje tribes and Kangoro.

It was not until 1935 that Nasarawa was founded. But in 1812, the Emir of Zaria

transferred the territory east to Doma to the ruler of Bauchi. It should further be noted

that Lapai, which until 1836 owed its allegiance to Zaria, was also transferred, on its own

request, to the kingdom of Nupe to join its kith and kin. In addition, Bagaji was also

another important Southern vassal state of ZAZZAU. It is necessary to emphasize that

two of the three largest Southern vassal states of ZAZZAU – Keffi and Jema’a were

originally founded by Fulani and obtained flags of recognition from Emir Mallam Musa;

their respective Chiefs had continued to be crowned by and in Zaria until the colonial

interruptions and reorganizations.

Under the 1926 provincial reorganization, Zaria province was composed of the Emirates

of Zaria and Katsina as well as the ‘independent’ district (or subordinate Native

Authority) of Birnin Gwari. It should be noted that Birnin Gwari had previously paid

tribute to Katsina even though at the actual time the British colonial authority was

imposed, Kontagora had overrun it. (Emirates of Northern Nigeria p223)

Archival records have explicitly shown that Nasarawa and Keffi people are socio-

logically or culturally more akin to the people of Zaria. This is due largely because

historical connection of Zaria with Keffi and Nasarawa people has been on since time

immemorial. As narrated or explained by Emir, Mallam Musa, the first Fulani Emir of

Zaria, the history of socio-cultural affinity was the main reason advanced by Dan Fodio

to allocate the entire Nasarawa and Keffi domains under the control of Zaria. This was

further reaffirmed by the colonial policy when memo No. 2652/2 of 17/3/1936 on the

enlargement of Zaria province included Keffi and Nasarawa Emirates. (NAK).

Overtime, the boundaries of ZAZZAU kingdom and later Zaria province have continued

to remarkably shrink as dictated by the political exigencies. Hence, when the boundary

was adjusted back to Gurara, Keffi, Nasarawa, Jema’a and Doma were removed from

ZAZZAU jurisdiction. The reason for such a political action by the imperial government

was because Emir Kwasau of Zaria instructed Keffi to resist and withstand the British

Colonial forces which in the process incidentally resulted in the death of Captain

Moloney, killed by the Magajin Keffi and later fled to Kano en route Zaria through Emir

Kwasau’s backing and assistance. Thus, the instructions given to Keffi by Zaria to resist

the British forces, the murder of captain Moloney by Magajin Keffi and his mysterious

escape to Kano aided and abated by the Emir were the provoking reasons behind the

reduction of the size of Zaria province by curving out those areas.

In 1933 however, a similar event reminiscent to that of Keffi episode also occurred in the

course of the Pagan unit administration of Zaria Emirate. Zaria province report of the

year has indicated that “These unit (of Pagan administration of Zaria Emirate) are part of

the Emirate of Zaria by Government Consent only, and this consent can be revoked as

was in fact done many years when certain Gwari Villages including Galadiman Kogo

were transferred to the Niger province as a punishment to the Emir of the time”

(emphasis original)

It is imperative to point out that in 1926, (at a certain Council Meeting of the

‘independent’ Chiefs of the subordinate NA of Zaria province) Koriga, due to its socio-

political circumstances, operated to be with Zaria. This led to transfer of the district from

Niger to Zaria province under a strict condition. Thus, under the Zaria-Niger province

boundary adjustment transactions/agreements, it was explicitly stated, among other

things, that (ZARPROF 1392 NAK)

…. If the sarkin Koriga is unwilling to accept the status of a village head on those terms I do not think that the over burdened Emirate of Zaria will willingly incur the incubus of a de factor independent District of so diminutive a size and so unprofitable a nature (emphasis added).

Hence, Koriga was eventually transferred, on its own request, to Zaria province without

any condition. It should be observed that koriga could not practically and directly be

place under Zaria as requested due to the fact that it is bordered by Chikun and Sabon

Birni. It was thus place during the 1937 Zaria provincial boundary adjustment when

Rukuba people of then Zaria province were transferred and reunited with their kith and

kin in the plateau province.

The 1934 Zaria provincial reorganization was major and fundamental. This

reorganization was contained under the Gazette No. 38 of 19th July, 1934, which curved

out the newly created Katsina province out of Zaria province. In other words, the birth of

Katsina as a province was sequel to the 1934 Zaria provincial reorganization. Thus, prior

to that period, Katsina was part and parcel of Zaria province.

The coming into being of Katsina out of the 1934 reorganized Zaria province was

precisely on 1st August 1934 and was to consist of the Emirates of Katsina and Daura

with headquarters at Katsina. Hence, “from the date the Kano province will consist of

Kano Division comprising the Emirates of Kano and Kazaure and the Northern Division

comprising the Emirates of Hadejia and Gumel and Zaria province will consist of Zaria

and the areas under the NA of Birni Gwari”. It should be recalled however that in 1908

the entire Western Division of Zaria province comprising of Birnin Gwari, Wushishi etc

were transferred to Nupe province.

At this juncture, it is important to note that Katsina ceased to organizationally or

administratively under Zaria after 32 years – (1902 – 1934) – from the commencement of

colonial regime. However, after 33 years (1934 – 1967) the two provinces were merged

again and administered together as single political entity when States were created by the

Gown Military regime. Things, notwithstanding, did not work out well and thus about 9

years ago they were again separated when the Babangida Military Administration created

Katsina States.

ISSUES IN SOUTHERN ZARIA

The crucial issue with Southern Zaria, within the purview of the entire Zaria province or Emirate,

is very unique, fundamental, provoking and agitating. The current situation should not, therefore,

for any reason, be allowed to further degenerate. The crux of the matter, at a certain conjunction

of event in time, in the entire administration of Zaria province was focused predominetly on the

position of the Southern Districts of the province, as contained in the 1958 Zaria province Annual

Report. It was expressed therein that the situation had continued to pose serious concern, alarm

and threats to peace, order and stability in the region. There were, from the onset, the

problematic of “long distance from poor communication with the NA executive”.

Other challenging factors of open resentments and opposition as expressions of anti-

established traditional system were “associated with the inevitable problem existing

whenever non-Muslim people are administered by a Muslim NA, gave rise to a feeling of

isolation, unsettlement and frustration as soon as educational facilities, largely spread by

voluntary agencies, grew” in addition to those provided by the Zaria NA. To ameliorate

the problem of long distance administration for example, a sub-divisional headquarters at

Zonkwa was established.

Thus, inconveniences and delays due to long distance between Southern Zaria and the

central NA in Zaria were curtailed as branches of all-important departments were

established in Zonkwa with funds provided by Zaria Native Treasury.

The cultural distribution of the communities of Southern districts of Zaria Emirate is

diverse. For instance, the highest concentration of small cultural and distinct groups is

found in Lere and Kauru Districts where there are, inter alia, the Igbiri of Gure, the

Kahugu, Kurama, Binawa, Dungi, Raibi, Kibailo, Kunikum, Kitimi, Kono, Rishuwa and

Surubu. In Zango katab District, there are the Katab, Kaje, Ikulu, kamatan, Chawai and

Kacicire while in Kachia and Kajuru there, among many others, the Kadara

concentration. Gwaris are mainly concentrated in Chikun and some spotted Southern

part of Igabi.

Not only could a clear socio-cultural distinction be drawn between the Northern and

Southern districts of Zaria Emirate but also on the contrasting economy of the areas and

prosperity of the people. The Northern part was relatively but remarkably more

prosperous in the colonial cash crop economy – cotton, groundnut, indigo, tobacco etc.

than the Southern part. The nature of economic production in the Northern districts thus

illuminated the growth and establishment or development of essential infrastructure,

particularly communication linkages with the industrialized world. Even before

colonialism, the people of the Northern part had a long established trading and

commercial contacts with many parts of the world.

In contrast with the North, the only cash crop in the Southern districts Zaria Emirate was

ginger. This crop was not of any significant demand by the colonial economy and

therefore did not stimulate a large peasant production to enhance additional income and

wealth. Furthermore, due to the commercial and entrepreneurial character of Hausa

communities, Hausa traders marketed most of the products of the Southern districts.

Consequently, the entire diverse ethnic nationalities of the Southern district have, in

addition to other factor, suffered relative poverty than Northern group which therein

“created a sense of deprivation and to later develop a sense of marginalization for a

separate identity and resistance against their hitherto overloads, the political class of the

Northern district” (Yahaya AD p16)

With regard to the administration of Southern districts, the Southern Zaria problem was a

long-standing issue. The initial complaint was centred on the operation of the district

administration, which they demanded to play a very vital role.

Since all the districts of Southern Zaria contained enclaves of Hausa – Fulani settlements,

the entrenched Hausa – Fulani communities, therefore administered them all. Such

communities originated as a vassal lineages of Zaria and were thus incorporated into the

Emirate of NA machinery.

The demand for self-determination and self-actualization for Southern Zaria has been

topical for quite a long time. Initially encouraged by mission products, the chain of

reaction spread over time and space in the entire region. However, Mallam Ja’afaru, the

Emir of Zaria, in a letter to the Resident Zaria, NAG2/1954/154 of 28 th December, 1954

stated, among other thins, that:

…. Government has taken no steps to rectify this (Southern Zaria) situation, here is a proof of this: a European missionary form Kagoro went to Zango katab and abused the District Head, asking why mission followers had been dealt with in Native courts: this European himself said in front of many people that Southern Zaria should be separated from Zaria: Katuka reported the matter but nothing was done and the talk of separation has continued to spread. (ZARPROF C.7/1953/Voll NAK).

Archival records have further buttressed that even the Resident, Zaria province explicitly

indicated in one of his report, that the issue of Southern Zaria was a time bomb and

further expressed that it should not be allowed to explode. The Resident, based on the

situation on the ground, therefore suggested that all the areas on Southern Zaria

clamouring for independence should be predominantly akin or compatibly associated

with each other. Hence, because of cultural affinity and other factors, all areas from Lere

running through Kaura and Chikun and its cultural neighbours down South should

constitute part and parcel of the Southern Zaria for practicable separation form Zaria NA.

At this juncture it is important to note that since the period when the entire Southern

Zaria territory came under the control of ZAZZAU Kingdom and later Zaria

province/Emirate, notwithstanding the establishment of Hausa-Fulani enclaves in many

areas, there was never a deliberate attempt or policy to Islamize the people and impose

the socio-cultural values of the Hausa-Fulani on the diverse nationalities acknowledged

for “very little cohesion between the members of any one tribe or even clan, and

neighboring villages of the same origin (who) were often on terms of open hostility”

(Ibid). if that opportunism was exploited, the situation could have perhaps presented a

completely different picture and realities than what currently occurs.

On the contrary, the communities of Southern Zaria were left to practice their own

religion, organize their societies as dictated by their own ways of life and thus retain their

cultural values and identity; for reasons that were best perceived and suited the dominant

political class and the exigencies of the time. It was therefore, due to the non

actualization policy adopted on Southern Zaria by ZAZZAU dominant political class of

the time that explained, in part, the creation of separate identity which was later

transformed as a strong weapon in support of their demand to manage their local affair”

(AD Yahaya P16). This issue gained prominence when it was contained in the 1953

Zaria provincial report:

…..The new problem which has in recent years replaced the far new one in this area, namely to keep pace with the demand of the local people, particularly the younger literate me, for a greater share in the management of their own

affairs and greater measure of freedom in the case of the Districts in Zaria Emirate.

ZAZZAU STATE: UNFOLDING EVENTS:

Hence, the demand for the creation of ZAZZAU STATE with capital at Zaria is therefore

a legitimate struggle in the right direction. It however conforms with the previous

agitation made since colonial period but fell on the deaf ears and blind eyes of the

insensitive political class and political leaders of the time. They thus refused to listen and

see the prospective interest, yearnings and aspirations of both the Zage-Zagi and the

entire communities of Southern Zaria on a symbiotic angle. To tell some areas “to go to

hell” a sub political class in ZAZZAU. This demand thus hinges a double-edged sword,

the famous sword which Zage-Zagi have long honoured and cherished, a sword of

justice, equity and fair play, a sword of patience, endurance, a sword of peace and

development. The two-edge ZAZZAU sword has therefore dissected Kaduna State

equitable and fairly into two proposed States.

It must be recalled that the history of ZAZZAU is unique and eventful than all the

surrounding political entities. Hence, the anemic history of ZAZZAU, as it suffers a

double jeopardy of existence, has long needed or required an anesthetic anatomy for it to

survive. How, when and for how long can it therefore be properly analogized with its

contemporaries and neighbours to serve relevant roles for the large number of the

community? This time has therefore presented a rare golden opportunity generally for

the two groups involved in the agitation for the split of Kaduna State into two.

Since the sensitivity and sincerity of Abacha regime in this regard have not been in any

doubt and questioned, it is our collective sincere hope that the verification tours carried

out by the honourable Members of the committee for State Creation, Local Government

and Boundary Adjustment will never turn out to be a colossal and callous exercise in

futility and jeopardy; but a sincere, deliberate and complete effort and tools towards

finding out permanent solutions to our socio-political problems through a critical

identification and evaluation of the critical areas that, in one way or another, are likely or

actually pose serious threats to peace, security and political stability of the nation and

thereinafter recommend appropriately and finally upheld. If what we have been

demanding and agitatedly advocating had been met by previous regimes, (colonial and

post colonial), as demanded, the problems which both areas had to be confronted with the

issues now on the ground could have long died and decayed with new fruits and flowers

of harmonious relationships covering the entire communities.

It is indeed relevant at this juncture to highlight that, at least since colonial era, Zaria was

given a special consideration and attention by the imperial government. All these

therefore transformed the town remarkable far more than any other town (even Zungeru,

Lokoja or Kaduna). The incessant visits by the colonial Government since 1910 to Zaria,

due to the policies and actions taken, continued to transform Zaria Township through the

increasing enlargement of the township. These in addition led to the pouring in of all

kinds of social and economic classed of people due to the establishment of social and

physical infrastructure, boosting of trade, establishment of foreign trading firms.

Furthermore, all sizes of the Supreme Court were held in Zaria. Again, all Governors and

other prominent colonial officers and visitors from other provinces or from the imperial

country were received and entertained in Zaria. That was why Governor Hesketh H. Bell

put up a memo to the colonial office in London recommending Zaria to be the capital of

Northern Nigeria until Governor – General Frederick Lugard changed and put Kaduna as

the headquarters.

Invariably, the issue unnecessary centred on Kaduna should not be a cog in the wheel and

indeed the sincere will of creating ZAZZAU State with capital at Zaria and therefore

splitting Kaduna state into two. It must be acknowledged and accepted that the entire

area now called Kaduna was conceived, designed, built and developed as the capital of

Northern Nigeria at least since 1914. Kaduna was in fact visioned, since colonial periods

to later be transformed as the capital of Nigeria. The visionary idea did not become a

reality. Recent contemplations to transform Kaduna s the new federal Capital came up

but failed in the m id 1970s when the search for a new capital for Nigeria was raised until

Abuja was finally settled.

Since Kaduna was designed and developed as the Capital of Northern Nigeria, it was

primarily meant to serve the diverse interest of all the people of Northern Nigeria as a

whole, no more no less. Thus, ZAZZAU made that historic and unprecedented sacrifice.

Though part and parcel of Zaria territory, it must be accepted by a group of Zage-Zagi in

particular, that Kaduna as constituted, is only theoretically a ZAZZAU territory while in

practice, it ceased to be a long time ago. Hence, Kaduna since 1914 had not, cannot and

will never, by any devise, adequately serve the multidimensional purposes and interests

of the people of Northern Nigeria and Nigeria as a whole as well as the local vested

interests of the people of ZAZZAU without tensions and frictions emanating there from,

since the sensitive issues and the problematic of marginalisation, domination, and

deprivation etc can never be avoided. In fact there have been a lot of problems at least

since the 1967 states creation in this part of the State when the original capital of the state

(Zaria) under Brigadier Abba Kyari (rtd) was forcefully transferred and relocated from

Zaria to Kaduna. This act in itself has continued to directly and negatively affect the

people of ZAZZAU at every inch of the decision and at every second since the day the

Capital of North Central State was rooted out of Zaria.

In retrospect, it should be noted that despite the status of Kaduna s the headquarters of

Northern Nigeria, it however continued to be run, since 1917, by and under Magajin Gari

as the Emir’s representative until 1956 when the documentation for the excision of the

township was officially made. (Emirates of N. Nigeria PP233 – 235). This however has

not changed anything whatsoever in terms of the wishful agitations of a section of Zage-

Zagi.

Kaduna is therefore an area where people from different parts of the North and the

country at large from different works of life congregate essentially to find their economic

and political ends meet. These people are notwithstanding noted to be proud and jealous

of their home states and therefore to be identified with. In some instances, where

possible, individually or collectively they consult or are consulted by their home

governments on matters affecting the State.

Why shouldn’t Zage-Zagi exercise that legitimate rights like all others in the country? It

must be accepted that the congregation of people from different parts in kaduna and the

political economy of the State as well as the role (capital status) Kaduna is serving have

all combine to continue to adversely affect Zage-Zagi in all forms and directions.

The thinking of an influential and privileged group over the current debate or discussions

on the future state of Kaduna state is that the proposed ZAZZAU State has concede “too

much land” tot eh people of Southern Zaria and that the position Kaduna must never be

compromised. This is a dangerous thinking for now and for the future. Furthermore, the

group’s misleading and false scenario of “no victor no vanquished” suggested that parts

of whole of some local government areas, to curtail the so-called excess land conceded,

be merged with and called ZAZZAU State with capital at Kaduna! The rest of the area

left to form another state. This, according to the mischievous group, will satisfy all. This

is a far more dangerous thinking. Some, however feel and continue to influence that with

the recent creation of chiefdoms, the long agitated problems of Southern Zaria and the

perennial situation in ZAZZAU have simultaneously been surmounted and therefore

peace, unity, tolerance and accommodation now exist or would mechanically follow, thus

Kaduna state should remain unsplit!

Finally, if the late mallam Aminu Kano was right and justified to propagate the axiomatic

of “Kowa ya san gidan Ubanshi” then let “Kowa ya koma gidan ubanshi” be the new

and added propensity to our stark reality, struggles and necessity. It must be

unequivocally clear that with or without Kaduna, ZAZZAU state with capital at Zaria is

our demand and therefore must not be illusive, deceptive and bastardized by any group.

This demand is rooted out of the concrete reality of our local politics and economics and

the overall survival within that realm. Hence, the legitimate right and reality of realizing

ZAZZAU State with capital at Zaria must not be in our minds for too long or in our

graves.

Isah Mohammed AbbassDepartment of Local Government StudiesCollege of Administration and BusinessStudies, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna