Cross River residents warned against unauthorised chieftaincy titles

Recently the Head of the Hausa/Fulani community in the state Alhaji Garba Lawan capital was addressed as the “Emir of Calabar” by one Hajiya Amina Muhammed which prompted the permanent secretary of Special services in the office of the Governor Sir Alfred Mboto to warn against an attempt by any member of the Hausa/Fulani community to be so addressed.

And doubling dawn he said while addressing leaders of the community, Imams, and others that no resident of the state should be seen with men bearing swords as guards. He charged the leadership of the Hausa/Fulani community to report any illegal activities around its environs to avoid creating undue tension.

The Special Adviser to Governor Ayade on Chieftaincy matters Mr. Adoga Ifop reiterated that on no account should the Hausa/Fulani community issue a Chieftaincy title in the State because it is not their responsibility.

In their response, the leaders of the Hausa/Fulani community represented by Alhaji Garba Lawan and the chief Imam Kabeer Olowdayemi and others accepted to abide by the laws and not interrupt the peace of the state. They also pledged to tender an apology to Cross Riverians on the sensitive issue.

The Hausa/Fulani community had existed in Calabar with pockets of locations in Bogobori, Esuk Utan, Nassarawa, and Bacoco for decades without issues with host communities.

By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)