The Adamawa State Government has debunked reports suggesting that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been removed from his traditional title as the Wazirin Adamawa.
The clarification followed widespread media interpretations of a recent circular from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as implying Atiku’s removal.
The circular introduced new guidelines restricting the role of kingmakers and emirate council membership to individuals from specific districts. However, addressing journalists at a press conference, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Iliya James, made it clear that the new policy does not affect existing titleholders.
“No individual has been stripped of their title,” James stated. “The reforms are not targeted at any person or group. They are part of a broader effort to modernise traditional institutions and align them with constitutional provisions while preserving our cultural heritage.”
He said the misinterpretation of the circular had led to misleading narratives alleging political motives or targeted actions.
“It has come to the government’s attention that certain narratives suggest recent decisions concerning chieftaincy matters are politically motivated or aimed at specific persons. We firmly refute these claims,” the commissioner said.
He explained that while current titleholders, including Atiku, will retain their titles, they must relinquish kingmaker roles if they do not hail from the designated districts. This, he noted, is to ensure proper local representation.
“The letter from the Ministry is very clear. Those currently holding titles will remain in place, but for kingmaker roles, only true indigenes of the relevant local governments should serve,” he added.
James also stressed that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri remains committed to reforming traditional institutions through legislative updates designed to improve coordination, resolve disputes, and promote inclusivity.
“In fact, under the proposed law, even a Yoruba or Igbo person could theoretically serve as a kingmaker or council member if properly nominated,” he noted.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fairness, cultural preservation, and the strengthening of traditional structures through lawful and inclusive reforms.