For long, there have been a lot of debates on the alleged domination of Kebbi State by indigenes of the Gwandu Emirate.
But is it healthy for the good development of the state to keep on debating this issue?
From all logical deductions, this ‘canibalization’ is not a result of a deliberate plan by the Gwandu people to dominate the rest of the state.
The fact that there have been many key federal government projects and institutions located in Gwandu Emirate than in any other emirates in the state does not mean the Gwandu indigenes are ‘greedy lords.’
Yes, Gwandu might be getting a lot but it might just be by strokes of luck occasioned by some factors.
Firstly, Birnin Kebbi, the capital city of Gwandu Emirate, happened to be one of the earliest cities, in present Kebbi State, to benefit from the developmental projects of the old Sokoto State.
These benefits included many infrastructural projects like power, water, and health facilities.
In turn, these infrastructures proved to be vital when key Federal Government institutions’ locations are being considered.
Secondly, the indigenes of Gwandu emirates had the advantage of being the first people to get Federal Government appointments even under the old Sokoto State.Maybe this might also have accounted for the high disagreement among its elites.
This high level of animosity makes one assume that the people could not have a carefully executed plan to dominate the people of other emirates.Hence, the accusation of the emirate domination might not hold water.
No doubt, Kebbi State at present needs someone with the capacity to unite the state together for solid development in the state and the collective good of all.
The state needs to strive to unite all generations for a glorious future. The youths must play a vital role as the formidable force needed for this development of the state.
Kebbi is potentially endowed with a lot of resources and opportunities that can be tapped to make it a strong and viable state that can hold its own in the Nigerian Federation.
But this can only be possible if the present leaders of the state take a futuristic approach to good governance.
The Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru (FUAZ) and Federal College of Education (FCE) Yauri, came about as a result of the continued guidance and support given by both His Royal Highness the Emir of Yauri and His Royal Highness the Emir of Zuru to the peoples’ representatives at the National Assembly.
Their foresight greatly assisted in the struggles to have these two vital institutions cited in their present locations.
It is a fact that in their wisdom the royal fathers and the politicians did not set out to compete with the Gwandu emirate but to attempt to level up developmentally, so that the state can grow evenly for the good of everyone.
It is high time that the political leaders of the state understand the need for a harmonious and peaceful co-existence of the people and de-emphasize this unhealthy ‘canibalization’ of the state on an emirate basis.
Our future generation deserves this commitment from the present leaders.
Na’Allah is a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He represents Kebbi South Senatorial District
