Controversy Trails Emergence Of New Gung Zaar In Bauchi

Fresh controversy has erupted over the emergence of His Royal Majesty, the 1st Gung Zaar, Brigadier General Marcus Yake Koko (rtd), following his selection by the council and traditional rulers of the defunct Ishaku Komo in Bauchi State.

Stakeholders, mostly from Tafawa Balewa local government area, yesterday described the emergence of the new Sayawa Chiefdom (Gung Zaar of Zaar) as an imposition carried out against the will of the people.

Addressing journalists, the aggrieved traditional leaders expressed deep dissatisfaction with what they termed the selection of an “unpopular candidate,” likening the situation to the biblical account of King Saul.

According to them, “It is evidently clear that just as King Saul emerged in the Bible, so shall it be in Zaar Nation.”

Speaking on behalf of the group, Elder Thawus Ali Maigida said the emergence of Yake Koko was expected to spark unrest, but for the timely intervention of community leaders, the area has remained calm.

“Sadly, the camp of the defunct Komo Council feels shortchanged after relinquishing the throne to an unpopular candidate.

This development has generated serious agitation and, if not properly addressed, is capable of throwing the throne into crisis,” he said.

Maigida further disclosed that the agitation is directed at the acting secretary, Mr. Habila Samu; Hon. Ishaya Dangana; Habila Gurgu; and the newly announced Tafawa Balewa District Head, Mr. Kefas Simon Adam, popularly known as Luka Timotawus Yarda.

“We categorically reject him as our district head. Let the world know this truth,” he declared.

He accused the new district head of denying some traditional chiefs their customary rites, stressing that the district is newly created and its head should emerge through election by the people in line with established traditions.

“We were shocked to discover that the district head was appointed rather than elected. This is contrary to our customs and traditions,” he added.

The group maintained that the appointment of a district head is traditionally the responsibility of the chiefs within the jurisdiction, either through election or legitimate elevation.

They argued that if the appointment was considered an upgrade, such structures had already been dissolved by former Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar. “How then was this appointment arrived at?” the group queried.

They insisted that the development is unacceptable and must be corrected, claiming that the majority of the Zaar people are dissatisfied.

According to them, for the throne to command respect and legitimacy, the newly installed first-class chief must urgently address the grievances and effect necessary changes.