From Our Correspondent
Yola (Adamawa), June 25, ’25 (TNZ) Adamawa State Government has tactically stripped former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Waziri Adamawa title.
TheNewsZenith reports that this is a move that affects other Chieftaincy title holders, who are not indigenes of Adamawa.
The Permanent Secretary, Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Felicity Mamman, under the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, announced development in a circular dated June 20.
The Waziri Adamawa is the second highest in authority after the paramount ruler, the Lamido of Adamawa.
In a stunning political and traditional shake-up, the state government cited non-indigeneity as the reason for the title stripping.
This is a move widely seen as a calculated effort to diminish Stiku’s political influence in his home state.
“Following the creation of new Chiefdoms in the state by Gov Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, I am directed to inform you that all kingmakers and council members in the state must be indigene (sic) of their Chiefdoms.
“E.g, all kingmakers and council members from Adamawa Emirate Council must be indigene of Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song and Zumo Districts.
“Those of Mubi Emirate Council must be indigene of Mubi North, Mubi South vis-à-vis all Emirates/Traditional councils in the state,” the circular stated,” TheNewsZenith quotes the circular as stating.
This effectively disqualifies Atiku, who hails from Jada Local Government Area under the Ganye Chiefdom, from holding a title within the Adamawa Emirate Council.
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The directive has sparked outrage and speculation. Political watchers are interpreting it as a public humiliation of Atiku by Gov. Fintiri.
Both Atiku and Fintiri were political allies during the 2023 general elections.
TheNewsZenith recalls that both men contested under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with Atiku running for President and Fintiri for governor.
However, the relationship between the two appears to have deteriorated dramatically.
This is because of Atiku’s recent involvement in talks with Fintiri’s arch-rival. Atiku is reportedly talking with Aishatu Binani, Peter Obi and former Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State.
The talks centred around forming a new opposition coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu’s APC in the 2027 elections.
Further stirring unease is a controversial executive bill now before the Adamawa State House of Assembly.
The bill seeks to empower Fintiri to “depose any emir or king” and install a “chosen prince” of his preference.
Critics argue that this would grant the Governor sweeping powers over traditional institutions, potentially enabling a broader political purge under the guise of administrative reform.
While government insiders insist the decision is routine and legal, the symbolism of ousting one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures from his royal position is being seen as nothing short of a political thunderclap. (TNZ)
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