The six newly appointed district heads in Zaar Chiedfom have been presented with their official letters of appointment to enable them to start functioning as traditional rulers of the chiefdom.

The letters of appointment were presented on Saturday by His Royal Majesty, the 1st Paramount Gung Zaar of Zaar Chiefdom, Brigadier General Marcus Kokko Yake (Rtd), during a ceremony held at the Zaar Palace.

The District Heads who received their appointment letters are: Bogoro District, Mr Nuhu Tafida; Marti District, Mr Bernard Bako; Tapshin District, Mr David Godit, Pusji District, Mr Simon Kefas Adam; Boi District, Mr Bala Likita Ibrahim and Lusa District, Mr Dauda J. Zabas.

Speaking during the presentation, the 1st Gung-Za’ar, Brigadier-General Marcus Kokko Yake (Rtd), charged the newly appointed District Heads to uphold the values of integrity, unity, and service to the people.

He said, “Your appointments are not only a recognition of your characters and leadership capacities, but also a call to greater responsibility.

“I expect you to serve your people with fairness, humility, and dedication, and to always promote peace, unity, and development across your districts.”

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He further emphasised the importance of loyalty to the Chiefdom and respect for traditional institutions, noting that effective grassroots leadership remains vital to the progress and stability of Zaar land.

Yake stressed that the appointments reflect the confidence of the Zaar Chiefdom in the integrity, leadership capacity, and commitment of the appointees to community development, peace, and good governance.

The Zaar Chiefdom congratulated the newly appointed District Heads and wished them wisdom, strength, and success as they carry out their responsibilities in service to their respective districts and the Chiefdom at large, as contained in a statement signed by Comr Joseph Emmanuel Joeman, Media Directorate Zaar Chiefdom.

Meanwhile, members of the Council and Traditional Rulers of defunct Gung-Za’ar-select in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro LGAs of Bauchi State, Air Comdr Ishaku Komo (Rtd), have threatened to withdraw their loyalty to the 1st Gung-Za’ar, Brigadier-General Marcus Kokko Yake (Rtd), if they are subjected to continuous rejection and sidelining in the activities of the Chiefdom.

They made the threat while addressing Journalists in Tafawa Balewa, shortly after a town hall meeting held to address perceived neglect and sidelining by the Chiefdom, titled: Zaar Chiefdom, and unbalanced appointment /politicisation of the throne.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the Council, Elder Thawus Ali Maigida, Council P.R.O, stated that, “It was clear in the eyes of the world that Zaar Nation didn’t celebrate their first-class title as expected despite agitation for over 5 decades.

“Sampling shows that some relate the emergence of Brigadier General Marcus Yake Koko (Rtd), just like the case of Jacob and Esau, others relate it to an unpopular candidate. It is evidently clear that just like King Saul in the Bible, so shall it be in the Zaar nation.

“26th October, 2025 will ever remain fresh in Zaar Nation that His Royal Majesty the 1st Gung Zaar in person of Brigadier General Marcus Yake Koko Rtd was brought as the first Gung Zaar against the popular and most accepted candidate, Air Commodore Ishaku Komo Rtd, who was referred to as Gung Zaar select.

“The whole world was watching to see the chaos that would erupt, but with the intervention of our leaders, the area was cool and calm against all odds.

“Sadly enough, the camp of the defunct Komo Council feels shortchanged after giving up the throne to an unpopular candidate. This is raising an uproar and is capable of setting the throne on fire if care is not taken.

“The agitation is against the acting Secretary, Mr Habila Samu, Hon. Ishaya Dangana, Habila Gurgu and the just announced Tafawa Balewa District Head, Mr Kefas Simon Adam, popularly known as Luka Timotawus Yarda.

“It’ll never be acceptable that he’s our District Head; let the world know this truth. Imagine him denying some of our traditional chiefs their traditional rites.

“The new District has been established and therefore, the District Head should be elected by the people. However, we are highly disappointed to discover that the District Head was appointed, contrary to our traditional rites and customs.

“Imagine sitting the headquarters of Zaar Chiefdom at Mhrhm Namchi, then the District Head comes from Mhrhm Namchi again, forgetting about either Dunga or Tafare, which form the District and we believe it is the activities of some so-called elites who feel they’re the Alpha and Omega.

“Our position is clear: that this act is unacceptable, and so it must be corrected. The appointment was made without stakeholders’ consultation, which violates our tradition; it’s in our norm and tradition that the appointment of a District Head is a responsibility of those concerned within the said jurisdiction (Chiefs) that the District Head will govern, either by election or upgrade. If not, Mr Kefas Adam is not qualified, if you claimed that it was an upgrade, then Former Governor of Bauchi M. A Abubakar has since dissolved them, so how do we arrive at this?

“Sadly enough, the activities of Mr Habila Samu Sur is alarming, as he is molesting our people as if the palace belongs to him alone, sidelining Timothy Tafare, who’s the only Zaar Ghami in the cabinet. Travelling to other local governments without Tafare and co, this is not acceptable.

“The recent names of District Heads were announced by him at a Christmas Service at COCIN Center Tafawa Balewa, even though we cautioned them to ensure equity, yet they turned a deaf ear.

“Ishaya Dangana, Habila Samu and Habila Daniel have attached themselves to the palace making it difficult for us to access the palace which is wrong.

“The majority of Zaar people are not happy, and for the throne to be respected, the first-class chief must effect changes.

“Other matters relate to the Chief’s interference in ZDA and ZAYODA Tafawa Balewa branch activities.” (Saturday Tribune)

•His Royal Majesty, Brigadier General Marcus Yake (Rtd), presenting the letters of appointments to the newly appointed district heads