Nigeria Is On The Path Of Greatness Again. - Emir of Hadejia.

Emir of Hadejia, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Adamu Maje CON has been in the vanguard of a safe, sane, united and prosperous Nigeria. He is the new Chancellor, University of Uyo. He briefly spoke exclusively to PhotoNews magazine recently highlighting the role of the traditional institution is moving the Country in the direction of President Buhari’s drive towards change. Excerpts:

On Nigeria’s educational system considering his recent appointment as chancellor of one of the federal Universities among the 38 whose leadership was earlier sacked by the minister of education, Mallam Adamu Adamu:

Inadequate funding of education has been identified as Nigeria’s biggest challenge with the sector. From what the Emir has gathered has so far, inadequate funding is the number one impediment to having a very functional educational system in Nigeria. He has however, reiterated the resolve of all stakeholder in the sector. In the university of Uyo for instance, he said ‘...but we will do whatever it takes to make University of Uyo great’.

Generally speaking, he said ‘I think we have a good educational system in the country, it can be improved upon with proper funding focusing on areas of research and development and upgrading infrastructures’.. While increased budgetary allocations for the sector is recommended, prudent management of the allocated funds can also be harnessed to check graft.

On President Buhari’s Change mantra:

‘So far so good, President Buhari is leading the country in the right direction. We pray for him to succeed’.

On traditional rulers’ involvement in the polity:

The traditional institution should work in supporting governments drive for a better Nigeria. Tradition rulers have no right to interfere in courts proceedings, while members of all political parties are our subjects hence all political parties are ours, we should not take side. Besides, strengthening our institutions, the courts are different instruments in administration of justice.., so traditional rulers need to exercise some caution in interfering in matters already before our courts. While the traditional institution can assist and or advise warring parties to seek out of court settlements in disputes, care must be taken not to take sides.

Some factors account for the emergence of traditional rulers; for instance, the monarchical structure in place in Northern Nigeria since the British colonial era till date is still operational in the culture of leadership selection processes; so ‘the techniques of ruler ship is not a problem to me because i was born and brought up within the system. It is already in my blood and this naturally gives me a good sense of history’. Making decisions in providing leadership to his subjects therefore becomes very easy to him.

A very cordial relationship with other traditional rulers within the state has also been key to having a successful reign. ‘Most of our kingdoms were inherited, and passed on from generation to generation’

Rebuilding the ravaged North-East in the post insurgency era:

While is it regrettable recounting the huge loss both in terms of human lives and economic gains, ‘from the information we are getting, i think our military and other security agencies are doing well  in trying to end the insurgency they should be encouraged to keep it up’. The bill before the National Assembly for the establishment of the North-East Development Commission should also be fast tracked for a quicker passage. This to me will be a very laudable achievement of the administration.

‘I believe it will be a mistake for anyone to even think of taking us back to 48 years ago when we had a similar situation-the Maitetsine experience... It is indeed an unfortunate situation considering the loss of innocent souls’

Efforts of some International Non-Governmental Organisations, (INGOs), Development Partners, Donor Agencies working in the region to provide relief is commendable as well.

Describing the situation in his Chiefdom-Hadejia:

Like elsewhere, the challenges commonly faced by the people of Hadejia is unemployment; the pool of resourceful, educated and energetic youth still hang around largely due to the prevailing un-employment situation in the country. Apart from the unemployment situation, the general insecurity in the region has been resisted to a standstill as Hadejia and indeed Jigawa state is very peaceful, safe and economically viable for business and other economic activities to thrive. Records are that Hadejia is one place that was hit by the ravaging insurgents in the north-east, courtesy the logical links and collaborative efforts of the traditional institution, the political leadership and security agencies.

A brief on the Emir:

Born 15^th October, 1960, Alhaji Abubakar Adamu Maje, CON is the 16^th Emir of Hadejis and chairman, Jigawa state Council of Chiefs.

Educated at the Kano School of Rural and Social Studies where he obtained a diploma in Rural and Social Studies and an advanced diploma in Public Administration, he joined the state Civil Service and worked in various capacities before his enthronement.

As a seasoned Civil Servant, he served as Social Welfare Officer and Senior Personnel Officer with the Kano state Ministry of Social Welfare and as Executive Secretary, Jigawa state Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Alhaji Abubakar Adamu Maje who took over from Emir of Fika as chairman Jigawa council of Chiefs loves reading, horse-riding, basketball and table-tennis.    

Visualising a peaceful atmosphere everywhere is best moment for HRH, the Emir while what he hates most ‘is to hear people not telling  the truth,  it’s always good to say what is right no matter how bitter’