There is subdued anger and tension in the JAMB town of Bwari following the announcement of a Sarkin Bwari, while the Etsu Bwari, Mr. Ibrahim Yaro, still remains on seat.
The predominantly Gbagyi, Koro and other local people are miffed that the Minister named a Hausa chief with a Hausa title for a town that already has one.
The indigenous Koro people who thought a level playing field will be created for an acceptable Koro Chief to emerge are also grumbling, but with the security presence in the town, many fear to speak out.
But a source said that there was no need to confuse matters as the Sarkin Bwari is a second class chief and the Etsu a third class chief.
Religious meanings are also being brought into the mix as the Etsu is a Christian, while the minister’s appointee is a Muslim. Fingers are being pointed in the direction of Sokoto for the machinations that threw up the new Sarkin
Some claim that the influence of the seat of government was brought to bear.
The Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, going by a statement from his office, approved the appointment of Alhaji Awwal Musa Ijakoro as the new Sarkin Bwari in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
Ijakoro, the statement adds, succeeds his late father, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammad Musa Ijakoro, who died on 29th August 2017.
“The appointment of the new Sarkin Bwari was done pursuant to the powers conferred on the Honourable Minister under the relevant sections of the FCT Chiefs (Appointment & Deposition) Act, 1997 and in accordance with established customs and traditions of the Bwari Chiefdom. The nomination of Alhaji Awwal Musa Ijakoro was accordingly endorsed by the Bwari Kingmakers.
“Alhaji Awwal Musa Ijakoro was born in Bwari on 9th June, 1977. He did his primary and secondary education in Suleja and Kwali respectively. He holds a Diploma in Public Administration from the University of Abuja and a B.Sc Public Administration from Nasarawa State University, Keffi. Until his appointment to the throne of Sarkin Bwari, he was the Chiroman Bwari.
“The FCT Minister observed that the exalted traditional office of Sarkin Bwari demands high sense of responsibility, maturity, and commitment and therefore implored Alhaji Awwal Musa Ijakoro to strive to uphold those virtues at all times. “He also used the opportunity of the appointment of the new Sarki to urge all stakeholders, particularly the people of Bwari Chiefdom to live in peace with each other,” the statement says further.
Analysts say the last sentence of the Minister’s statement suggests that he is expecting some crisis with his announcement.