by Yusuf Ishaku Goje

Indeed, the Akurmi nation is still in a state of wonder at the systemic victimisation of our peace-loving Chief, HRH Dr Ishaku Sabo Damina JP, B’gwan Kurmi, by the Kaduna government over allegations we find disturbing. On the 22^nd March 2017, our Chief was invited by the Nigeria Police, arrested and remanded in prison by the Court over allegations of criminal conspiracy, assault and abduction.

Agreed, no one is immune to prosecution, as no one is above the law, but the allegations and manner with which our dear Chief is being treated like a common criminal, that he is not, raises more questions than answers. We are still at a loss why an honourable man would stake his reputation and that of the traditional institution he represents by criminally conspiring, assaulting and abducting a wanted criminal (Kidnapper) who has terrorised his domain for long? Is it an offence for a Chief to encourage community policing, by using the community vigilante to apprehend and hand over a wanted kidnapper, who has terrorised his domain with impunity, to the security joint taskforce?

Our Chief, in the context of being honourable, is an accomplished man. His ascendency to the throne can be attributed to the will of God; because it brought about stability and progress to the Akurmi nation, after many years of uneasy calm especially that of mistrust and suspicion generated by the dispute over the District Headship in Yarkasuwa since 2001. As a peace-maker and a bridge-builder, he has successfully prevented, managed and resolved disputes with tact and dexterity to the admiration of many, including his critics. A trained Veterinary Doctor and once a seasoned politician with a clean track-record, he has brought his wealth of experience, depth of knowledge and exposure into play in successfully running the affairs of the Akurmi (Kurama) Chiefdom.

As the custodian of the Akurmi custom and traditions, he has brought about a renaissance of historical consciousness among the Akurmi people through setting-up cultural committees and encouraging the activities of especially the various associations. Some of the most notable and recent activities include the Conference and the launch of the first of its kind book about the Akurmi history (The Akurmi People of Central Nigeria: Their Heritage and Hope) by the Akurmi Studies Group, the revival of the annual Akurmi Cultural Festival, and the production of the first Akurmi documentary in partnership with the NTA. In fact, the NTA crew testified that of all the communities they had worked with in the past, he is the most accommodating and enthusiastic Chief of them all and the community with the richest history.

The above is a reality that even his worse critics cannot deny, or is it because of his many achievement, too numerous to mention all, that he is now targeted? We know as human beings, he cannot be immune to mistakes or stepping on toes, but does it warrant a Chief, who in our eyes is first class, be treated like a common criminal. On the basis of self-recognition, it is our position as a people, that he would have been more appropriate for him to be ordered to appear in court during hearings, and be jailed only if found guilty. Also, he should be assumed and treated as innocent until proven otherwise by a competent court of jurisdiction. Furthermore, on the basis of his status as a respected Chief, it will be unthinkable for him to jump bail, if not for himself and immediate family, but for the integrity of the Akurmi nation.

It is our firm belief that it is not HRH Dr. Ishaku Sabo Damina JP that is on trial but the whole of Akurmi nation world-wide, its identity, tradition, custom and heritage. This is in total contradiction of article 12, sub-section 2a of the United Nation Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIPS, 2007), which states that “States shall provide effective mechanism for prevention of, and redress for: (a) Any action which has the aim or effect of depriving them (indigenous people) of their integrity as distinct peoples, or their cultural values or ethnic identities”.

Going forward, I want to highly commend the Akurmi nation for staying true to our characterization as a peaceful people, by remaining calm and law-abiding for the past four days that our great Chief has been in prison. It is a known fact that other ethnic nations would have not taken this humiliation of their traditional institution lightly. I told a friend, imagine if it were a prominent Oba, Emir or Eze that was treated in such humiliating manner; the story will surely be different. I know even our dear Chief will be very proud of us, for showing uncommon restrain by his subjects and that his attribute as a peace-loving man is shared among his people.

I hereby call on the Akurmi people not to be pushed into adopting non-conventional or violent approach to resolving this unwarranted persecution of our dear Chief and ethnic identity. We must remain calm, law-abiding, peaceful and importantly watchful; by allowing the court process to be exhausted, as the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man. Let us not give further reasons to the continuous justification of the imprisonment of our Chief, which is what some people want. We should not despair because, in the end, the truth will always prevail no matter how long. We must use this opportunity to reflect and commence rebuilding our unity and solidarity as a nation by rallying round our Chief. This is a painful experience for us as a people, but could also be a blessing in disguise to further strengthen our unity of purpose.

We must remain calm and more importantly prayerful because God is our defender not mere mortals, victory is surely assured. Our Chief will be set free because great men face great challenges, but the courageously overcome at the end. History is replete with the challenges faced by great and legendary Kings like: the Biblical King David and his son King Solomon, King Alexander III of Macedon (known as Alexander the Great 356 BCE – 323 BCE), King Constantine (Roman Emperor from 306 to 337 AD of Thracian–Illyrian ancestry.), Shaka Zulu (King of Zulu, 1818-1828), Mansa Kankan Mussa (King of Mali, 1306 to 1332), Jaja of Opobo (1821-1891). In years to come, posterity will write history in favour of our King and the Akurmi nation for choosing the path of peace during this times of turbulence and persecution.

There is no road to peace; peace is the only road…

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