Re: Emir of Zazzau’s Remarks on the Emirate Crisis and Removal of the Former Waziri – An Opinion
By Kabiru Suleiman
In a recent interview, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, claimed that the former Wazirin Zazzau “absconded” from his duties for seven months before being officially relieved of his position by the Kaduna State Government. This assertion is categorically false.
Contrary to the Emir’s claim, the former Waziri never at any point absconded from duty. In fact, he was suspended from office by the then Governor of Kaduna State on 18th November 2020, just 59 days after the demise of the 18th Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji (Dr.) Shehu Idris CFR, and 9 days after the controversial installation of Bamalli as the 19th Emir. The suspension was conveyed in a letter with reference number MLS/CA/36/VOL.VI/T, signed by Musa A. Adamu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government Affairs, on behalf of the Commissioner. The letter stated:
“I am directed to convey the decision to suspend you from duty with immediate effect. I am to further request you to handover your responsibilities to the Secretary, Zazzau Emirate Council. By a copy of this letter, the Emirate Council has been directed to assign the most senior Counsellor to oversee your schedules. Sincerely grateful.”
The real reason for this politically motivated suspension, which eventually led to his removal, was his principled refusal to alter the narrative surrounding the selection process in favour of Bamalli, who was controversially imposed as Emir despite not securing a single vote from the Kingmakers.
On the Selection Process of the 19th Emir of Zazzau, It is a matter of public record that the selection process of the 19th Emir was conducted twice. The first round, referenced by Bamalli in his interview, was cancelled by Governor Nasir El-Rufai because Bamalli failed to secure any votes from the Kingmakers. Subsequently, on 30th September 2020, the governor directed a repeat of the selection process. This directive was widely reported, including by Daily Trust (see: https://dailytrust.com/emir-of-zazzau-kaduna-govt-orders-fresh-selection-process/). The official Twitter handle of the Kaduna State Government (@GovKaduna) confirmed this, stating:
“Kingmakers of Zazzau Emirate are currently engaged in a fresh process to recommend candidates for the office of the 19th Fulani Emir of Zazzau. KDSG directed a new round of the selection process after cancelling the initial process, which excluded two interested applicants.”
During this period, the Governor claimed to be studying the book “Government in Zazzau” to guide his actions, yet there was no legitimate basis in that book, or anywhere in law or custom, that justified appointing a candidate not selected or recommended by the Kingmakers.
On Scoring and Ranking, in the same interview, Emir Bamalli claimed he scored 62 marks and placed 3rd in the selection exercise. This too is misleading. The actual position, as documented and available, were:
- Late Iyan Zazzau, Alh. Bashir Aminu – 89 marks
- Yariman Zazzau, Alh. Munir Jafaru – 87 marks
- Wamban Zazzau, Alh. Abdulkarim Aminu – 73 marks
- Dangaladiman Wazirin Zazzau, Alh. Shitu Dikko – 71 marks
- Arc. Muhammad Aminu Idris – 65 marks
- Hon. Tanimu Zailani – 65 marks
- Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli – 62 marks
This clearly places Bamalli at 7th position, not 3rd as he claimed. The suggestion that he was chosen based on a criteria-based score is a distortion. Marks are not the basis of selection; they only help the Kingmakers justify their recommendations. The final decision rests with the Kingmakers, and Bamalli was neither recommended nor voted for in either round.
The Emir further alleged that national honour was not part of the selection criteria. This is inaccurate. Before the process began, the following eight criteria, with marks totaling 100, were set and agreed upon by both Kaduna State Government and the Kingmakers:
- Minimum Qualification (BSc/HND) – 15 marks
- Experience as District Head – 20 marks
- Experience in Public Service – 10 marks
- No Proven Adverse Report – 10 marks
- Relationship with the Public – 15 marks
- National Award – 5 marks
- Conflict Resolution Ability – 15 marks
- Physical Fitness – 10 marks
Bamalli lost 20 marks for lacking experience as a District Head. Although he served as Magajin Gari for 19 years, this does not equate to being a District Head. It is curious that in his narrative, he chose to highlight only the 5-mark category for National Awards as the only criteria he scored 0 mark. Additionally, Bamalli scored only 8 out of the 15 marks allocated to “Ability to Make Peace Amongst People”, owing to his widely recognized poor interpersonal relations, lack of regard for others, and demonstrated intolerance in dealing with individuals and groups.
Finally, Bamalli claimed to have records to support his statements. We challenge him to release those records publicly, and we shall respond with verified documentation in due course.
It is indeed unfortunate that a traditional leader of such a historic and revered Emirate would come to the media to peddle misinformation and rewrite the truth for sympathy or legitimacy. The throne of Zazzau, with its deep-rooted customs and laws of succession, cannot be legitimized through media narratives or public sentiment.
Kabiru Sulaiman writes from Kaduna Nigeria
