The Cross Rivers State government condemned the alleged coronation of an ‘Emir of Calabar’ by the Hausa-Fulani residents of the state.
Those involved in the appointment were warned by the government to desist from the act or face the wrath of the state authorities.
It was gathered that during the last Eid-Fitri celebrations in Calabar, the newly installed head of the Hausa/Fulani community in the state capital, Alhaji Garba Lawan was paraded around Calabar town addressed and hailed as the ‘Emir of Calabar’.
Alhaji Garba Lawan is the younger brother to the former head of the Hausa-Fulani community in Calabar. He was installed as head after the demise if his elder brother.
Meanwhile, the move has been condemned by local kingmakers, residents, traditional chieftains, as well as politicians in the he state.
In a Facebook message, a Facebook user wished the Muslim faithful a happy Sallah celebration thus attracting some unruly statement on social media by some northerners who claimed the territory of northern Nigeria extends into the Atlantic Ocean.
Following the wide condemnation the post received, the state government summoned the leadership of the Hausa/Fulani communities in the state to the governor’s office, where they were warned in very strong terms to immediately abolish the title and refrain from the plots to create an emirate in Calabar.
Permanent Secretary of Special Services, Governor’s Office, Sir Alfred Mboto while addressing the heads of the Hausa-Fulani community in the state warned that “On no account should any member of the public address any Hausa/Fulani leader as “Emir” in Cross River State or be seen with palace guards.
“This is not acceptable in the state. The state has been known for peace and tranquillity, accommodating and uniting all ethnic nationalities who live in the state.”
According to the Mboti, “at the time of the meeting, the publishers of the Facebook write-ups had not been identified.”
The permanent secretary however urged the residents to enthrone peaceful coexistence regard of the tribal difference.
He added, “No leader of the Hausa/Fulani community should be seen with men with swords.
“The leadership of the Hausa/Fulani community must report to the State Government any illegal activities around its environs.”
In the same vein, the Special Adviser to Governor on Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Adoga Ifop said, “on account should the Hausa/Fulani community issue a chieftaincy title in the state as issuance of chieftaincy titles is not part of their duties.”
Responding to the warnings, the leader of the Hausa/Fulani Muslim community, Alhaji Garba Lawan; the Chief Imam, Kabeer Olowdayemi, and other leaders of the Hausa/Fulani community in the state appreciated Mboto for his intervention in the issue.
Similarly, they promised to apologise immediately, claiming that they did not know the publisher of the social media posts while promising to remain law-abiding.
The meeting was attended by the State Security Adviser (North), Mr Murphy Ntol; the State Security Adviser (South), Mr Henry Okokon amongst other security experts.
See screenshot of the Facebook post below:
