Group Urges Tinubu to Restore Traditional Hausa Leadership

A coalition of concerned Hausa citizens has issued an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to reform the chieftaincy system in Northern Nigeria and restore traditional Hausa rulership, which they claim has been under Fulani dominance since the colonial era.

In the letter, the group calls for constitutional amendments that would shift the power to appoint and manage traditional rulers from state governors to legislative bodies at both the federal and state levels. They argue that this reform is necessary to ensure transparency and prevent political manipulation of traditional leadership.

*A Call to Address Historical Injustice*

The letter highlights what the group describes as a historical injustice dating back to the 1804 Fulani Jihad, which led to the establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate. Despite the British conquest of Northern Nigeria in 1903, the colonial administration maintained the Fulani leadership structure rather than reinstating indigenous Hausa rulers. According to the concerned citizens, this system continued even after Nigeria’s independence, depriving the Hausa people of their rightful leadership and weakening their cultural identity.

The group also points to recent claims by certain Fulani figures, such as the District Head of Kiyawa, Aliyu Adamu, who allegedly denies the distinct existence of the Hausa people. They argue that such statements further emphasize the urgency of their demand for corrective measures.

*Proposed Reforms*

The open letter outlines three key demands:

*Transfer of Authority* 

They say the power to appoint and manage traditional rulers should be transferred from state governors to the National and State Assemblies to ensure democratic oversight and reduce political interference.

*Restoration of Hausa Traditional Rulership*

According to them, pre-colonial Hausa ruling houses should be identified and reinstated in their historical leadership roles.

*Fair and Transparent Selection Process*

The group also suggests that a standardized system should be established to ensure the appointment of traditional rulers is free from political favoritism and ethnic bias.

To implement these changes, the group proposes several legal frameworks, including a Traditional Rulers Reform Act, a Hausa Traditional Leadership Restoration Bill, and a Chieftaincy and Indigenous Rights Act, all aimed at restructuring the traditional leadership system to reflect historical justice.

*Appeal to President Tinubu*

The concerned Hausa citizens call on President Tinubu to make history by addressing what they see as an over-century-long injustice against the Hausa people. They urge him to take decisive action to ensure fairness and transparency in traditional leadership appointments.

While there has been no official response from the presidency, the letter has sparked discussions on the long-standing complexities of traditional rulership in Northern Nigeria. Analysts predict that the proposal could face resistance from various political and traditional institutions but also acknowledge that it raises important questions about ethnic representation and governance in the region.

*Public Reaction*

The open letter has gained traction on social media, with hashtags such as #HausaActivist, #Hausa, and #Nigeria being used to amplify the message. Some supporters argue that the call for reform is long overdue, while others caution that any changes to the chieftaincy system should be approached carefully to maintain stability in traditional institutions.

As the debate unfolds, all eyes are on the Tinubu administration to see whether it will take steps to address the demands of the concerned Hausa people or maintain the status quo.