Gongola People's Forum Backs Governor Fintiri’s Reforms on Chiefdoms and Emirates

The Gongola People's Forum (GPF) has expressed its full support for Governor Ahmadu Fintiri's recent decision to appoint new chiefs and emirs and establish new chiefdoms and emirates in Adamawa State.

The group commended the governor for restoring the indigenous people's traditional cultural rights, which they claim were suppressed during the colonial era.

This endorsement was made by GPF National Secretary, Barrister Leonard Nzadon, during a press conference on Monday in Yola.

“Governor Fintiri has charted a very popular path of freedom, which aligns with the ideals of GPF. This is why we have earlier cautioned individuals who undermine the law to respect the state's progress,” Nzadon stated. 

He emphasized that the establishment of new chiefdoms and emirates would empower indigenous communities, allowing them to overcome historical challenges and marginalization.

Nzadon dismissed accusations that the reforms were targeted at any particular group, describing such claims as "mischievous." He highlighted that the reforms were inclusive and designed to benefit all residents of Adamawa State, particularly those previously sidelined.

“Governor Fintiri has addressed long-standing issues and created opportunities for those historically marginalised,” Nzadon added.

The “Adamawa State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) and Matters Incidental Thereto” bill, which facilitated these reforms, was passed into law on December 10 and signed by Governor Fintiri on December 16.

The newly established chiefdoms and emirates include:

• Madagali Chiefdom (Headquarters: Gulak)
• Hoba Chiefdom (Headquarters: Hong)
• Michika Chiefdom (Headquarters: Michika)
• Second-Class Fufore Emirate (Headquarters: Fufore)
• Third-Class Gombi Chiefdom (Headquarters: Gombi)
• Third-Class Maiha Emirate (Headquarters: Maiha)
• Third-Class Yugur Chiefdom (Headquarters: Dumne)

The GPF praised these developments as a significant step toward fostering inclusion, strengthening local governance, and celebrating the state's cultural diversity.