A first-class traditional ruler in Adamawa State, Dishon Dansanda II, the Kwande Nugura of the Lugunda Kingdom, has declared that decades of political exclusion and discrimination against more than 85 ethnic nationalities in the state could have spiralled into violent unrest.
The monarch said the situation was defused only through the bold intervention of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who created seven new chiefdoms and emirates, restoring a sense of justice and belonging to long-marginalised ethnic groups.
The royal father made the remarks while receiving a delegation of the Gongola Peoples’ Forum (GPF) at his palace in Guyuk, during the group’s tour of the local government to inaugurate its interim ward and council officials.
According to him, years of domination by what he described as a clannish political cabal forced suppressed ethnic nationalities to unite in self-defence against exclusion.
He said the non-violent posture adopted by the groups was both reassuring and progressive, adding that his kingdom openly supports the movement.
“This unity is a relief. It shows maturity and purpose, and that is why we cannot hide our support,” the monarch said.
Although GPF is a socio-cultural organisation, the traditional ruler said its vision and mission, which he described as anchored on justice and equity, have transformed it into a credible movement in a society where, for decades, people were made to believe they only mattered if they surrendered their right to self-determination.
He, however, cautioned the organisation to guard against internal saboteurs, warning that greed could push some members to trade their conscience for what he called transactional politics.
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Earlier, the National Chairman of GPF, Markus Gundiri, said the forum was in Guyuk to build grassroots structures for mobilisation and change.
He said the delegation could not visit the local government without paying homage to the paramount ruler.
Gundiri stressed that while the power for change lies with the people, it must be channelled through a credible, non-partisan platform like the GPF.
He explained that the GPF was deliberately elevated above partisan politics to promote evolving cultural leadership, self-determination, and development strategies defined by the people themselves, rather than imposed alien values.
Gundiri praised Gov. Fintiri, describing him as a son of the minority who governs with courage, noting that the creation of new chiefdoms and emirates was far from routine.
“In Adamawa, that decision was a war; a fierce one. Only a leader of his calibre could dare it,” he said.
The visit climaxed with the smooth inauguration of the GPF interim officials at the conference hall of the Guyuk Local Government Council.
GPF has previously carried out similar inaugurations in 10 local government areas across Adamawa State.
