Traditional ruler wants dividend of democracy for chiefdom

Sarkin Nunku, Alhaji Adamu Muhammad, who is the Chairman of Akwanga-West Traditional Council, has commended his people for their support and loyalty in his efforts at reviving the chiefdom which had been in “comatose for 42 years” due the prolonged dispute that engulfed old Nunku(Mada) chiefdom.

Alh. Muhammad, who stated this at the weekend while setting up a peace committee at his palace, lamented that his efforts to revive Nunku chiefdom was not getting the needed support by authorities of Akwanga Local Government Council.

He claimed that officials of the local government, as well as some of the chiefdoms were finding it difficult to engage the revived Nunku chiefdom in matters concerning politics, policies and mass participation of Madan Nunku in government programmes”.

The traditional ruler also alleged that, “deliberate actions, akin to a gang up were being employed to undermine the authority of the Nunku Traditional Council within its jurisdiction.

He further alleged that some traditional rulers in the area sometimes interfered in the affairs of Nunku, and authorities of the local government “turned a blind eye” to complaints made by him to them.

Alhaji Muhammad however said his traditional council “has compiled instances of such interference, and gang ups which will be placed before the appropriate (state) government authorities for necessary action.

The traditional ruler commended the immediate past administration of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura for reviving Nunku chiefdom.

He also assured the present administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule of the support and loyalty of Nunku people.

The Sarki Nunku further enjoined his people to continue to tow the path of peace and diplomacy, and to resist provocation from any quarters.

A statement from the Nunku palace, signed by Alhaji Sani Abdullahi, the Madawakin Nunku, after a meeting of the traditional council, stated that the meeting was “to explore peaceful means and ways to ensure strengthening of harmonious coexistence” with other chiefdoms in the local government area.

The committee is also to liaise with relevant institutions in Akwanga Local Government, and Nasarawa State in general “in order to ensure that Nunku chiefdom and its people get their fair share of the dividend of democracy.

The Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Council, Mr. Samuel Meshi, while responding to the Sarkin Nunku, said the claims by the chief were mere allegations.