JtimesBy Adamu Abubakar Kumo and Saeed Ahmad Bappah
The Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority (GOSUPDA), Alhaji Bappayo Samanja Maudo, has been confirmed as the first Turaki Babba in the Gombe Emirate by His Highness the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR, Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs.
Maudo received confirmation of this position today when a delegation from His Royal Highness the Emir of Gombe presented the royal message in a grand ceremony held at the residence of the late Maina Yuguda House in Tudun Wada, Gombe.
The leader of the delegation, Alhaji Usman Muhammad, Shamakin Gombe, stated that His Highness the Emir of Gombe appointed Alhaji Bappayo Samanja Maudo to this new position after being satisfied with his behavior, honesty, service to the community, and other good values.
He said, “His Majesty made the decision to grant this position after evaluating his behavior, honesty, good character, and service to the community.”
He described the royal confirmation as a historic event that is in line with the norms and values of the Gombe Emirate. He noted, adding that “by giving this royal position to Alhaji Bappayo Samanja, His Highness has placed a crown in its place.”
In his speech, Dawakin Gombe, Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad, said that this is the position the Emir had the pleasure of giving to the extended family of Maina Yuguda after the royal positions of Sadauki and Uban Garin Gombe.
He expressed gratitude to His Majesty and reaffirmed their loyalty and obedience to him, praying for God’s protection and long life.
Dawakin Gombe added that the royal position of Turaki Babba has a long history in the Gombe Emirate since the establishment of the emirate during the Jihad of Shehu Usman bin Fodio.
He also called on the newly confirmed Turaki Babba to show more enthusiasm and courage in helping to develop the community, considering the additional responsibilities that have been assigned to him.
“His Majesty expects you to be loyal, honest, just, and kind. Unite people to live in peace because peace is the foundation upon which the Gombe Emirate was built,” said Dawakin Gombe.
He also called on other family members and followers to support the newly confirmed royal to ensure that he successfully discharges the responsibilities assigned to him.
Speaking on behalf of the recipient of the royal position, Professor Muhammad Gurama Dukku, thanked His Highness the Emir of Gombe for finding Bappayo Samanja Maudo worthy of the royal position, adding that it was an honor not only for the person who was given the position but also for the entire family of the late Maina Yuguda, relatives, and well-wishers.
Professor Gurama also added that they accepted the position with both hands and assured that Alhaji Bappayo would discharge the responsibilities assigned to him as Turaki Babba according to the provisions of the emirate. He reaffirmed his loyalty to His Majesty the Emir of Gombe and the Gombe Kingdom.
Other people who presented their goodwill messages included Alhaji Bala Muhammad Magaji, Magajin Garin Gombe, Uban Doman Gombe, AIG Zubairu Muhammad (Rtd).
They also thanked His Highness the Emir of Gombe and expressed their confidence that Alhaji Bappayo Samanja would not betray the confidence reposed in him.
The royal event was attended by the District Head of Kurba, Engr. Babayo Sule, the former Director-General of the NNPC; the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reform, among other dignitaries.
