POTISKUM: IGNORANT NARRATIVES, DISTORTED HISTORY, AND ATTEMPTS TO SOW DIVISION AMONG THE PEOPLE OF THE OLD FIKA EMIRATE
POTISKUM: IGNORANT NARRATIVES, DISTORTED HISTORY, AND ATTEMPTS TO SOW DIVISION AMONG THE PEOPLE OF THE OLD FIKA EMIRATE
We are compelled to respond to the recent misguided and inflammatory utterances by one Sulayman Jaji, whose tribalistic views and reckless distortion of historical facts appear deliberately crafted to incite tension among the peace-loving people of Potiskum and the broader Fika Emirate.
His comments against the Fika Emirate are not only unbecoming of someone tasked with shaping young minds, but are also historically inaccurate, misleading, and harmful to the fragile unity of our people.
*Clarifying the Historical Facts*
Fika Emirate was established by colonial authorities in 1924—over a century ago—with Potiskum as its headquarters. In contrast, Pataskum Emirate was created just three decades ago, in 1993, by the administration of Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim.
During the creation of Pataskum Emirate, several aspirants—including the current Mai Pataskum, Alhaji Umaru Bubaram—vied for the throne. The revered Alhaji Muhammad Atiyaye (then District Head of Potiskum and member of the Fika Emirate Council representing the Ngizim community) was nominated and installed as the first Mai Pataskum. His nomination was based largely on his role as District Head under the Fika Emirate, which was a key criterion at the time.
Alhaji Atiyaye, known for his peaceful nature and leadership qualities, tragically passed away just 53 days after ascending the throne. Following his demise, Alhaji Bubaram was endorsed and supported by the late Emir of Fika, Dr. Abali Muhammadu Ibn Idrissa (CON)—father of the present Emir—based on his own prior service as a councillor representing Ngizim interests in the Emirate Council.
*Benevolence of Fika Emirate*
It is worth recalling that the present Mai Pataskum benefitted significantly from the goodwill of notable Fika personalities such as Malam Gimba Fika, Alkali Kalli, Ciroma Hamma, Sarkiyo Tela, Liman Ciroma (all of blessed memory), and Muhammadu Dagula (Masaya), who personally facilitated his early education and career. This history is a testament to the inclusive and accommodating spirit of the Fika Emirate.
In 1993, the military administration dissolved the newly created Emirates, including Pataskum. However, after returning to power in 1999, Bukar Abba Ibrahim reinstated them. The committee report on Emirates creation at the time notably declined the request to site an Emirate headquarters in Potiskum town, instead recommending Mamudo as the appropriate location.
Despite this, the gazette published on January 5, 2000, clearly affirms Potiskum as part of the Fika Emirate. Any claims to the contrary are legally baseless and factually wrong.
*Two Emirs in One Town? A Matter of Grace*
It is not anomalous for two Emirs to reside within the same geographic location—especially when one is doing so under the goodwill of the other. The presence of the Mai Pataskum within Potiskum town is a testament to the magnanimity of the Fika Emirate, not an administrative error.
Interestingly, no objections were raised about this arrangement during the tenures of former Governor Mamman Ali and Deputy Governor Danlami Ali—both sons of Pataskum Emirate. Their silence underscores the legitimacy of the current arrangement and the official recognition of the Fika Emirate’s boundaries.
*True Roots and Contributions*
The present Emir of Fika, Dr. Muhammad Ibn Abali, was born in Potiskum in 1956. His father and grandfather were also born and raised in Potiskum, and were instrumental in its development. We challenge those pushing false narratives to show their ancestral wards or match the developmental contributions made by the Fika royal family.
Many of these agitators have held positions in government, academia, and the private sector, yet their track record of service to Potiskum is negligible. Their only legacy seems to be the spread of discord and tribal division.
The Fika Emirate stands as a model of inclusivity: its 15 district heads today include Karekare, Ngamo, Ngizim, Hausa/Fulani, and Bolewa representatives—reflecting the Emirate’s commitment to fairness, diversity, and peace.
*Terrorism, Resilience, and Peace*
In 2012, the Emir of Fika narrowly survived a suicide bomb attack by an assailant identified through tribal markings. That same year, his palace was also attacked. Despite these aggressions, the palace remained calm, believing in divine protection and the rule of law.
As an act of goodwill, land originally owned by a church and members of the Fika royal family was peacefully allocated to Pataskum Emirate for its palace—without compensation or conflict. Such generosity is the hallmark of Fika’s leadership.
*Misrepresenting Governance and History*
Mr. Jaji’s misleading statements also conflate issues outside his grasp. Matters of local government creation are separate from traditional chieftaincy affairs, which are strictly the prerogative of state governments, not the federal government.
On the issue of settlement history: while the Kare-Kare were among the earliest inhabitants of present-day Potiskum, the Ngizim and Bolewa later joined them. However, in modern administration, ancestral settlement is not the sole criterion for determining ownership—official documents, government policy, and state gazettes are the final authority.
Globally, many modern nations have seen migration, assimilation, and redefinition of territory. Nigeria itself reflects this diversity in areas like Kano, Zazzau, Ilorin, and others where settlers and new power structures co-exist with indigenous populations.
*Final Appeal*
Henceforth, we urge all parties to support their claims with verifiable documentation. Misinformation harms not only the unity of our people but also misleads future generations.
We call on the relevant authorities to uphold the law and ensure that the Pataskum Emirate respects the territorial boundaries as stated clearly in the Yobe State Gazette of January 5, 2000.
Let truth and justice prevail—for the peace, unity, and continued progress of Potiskum and the Fika Emirate.
Signed:
_Concerned Indigenous People of Fika Emirate_
