By Bitrus Yadin Garun Kurama
In a heartfelt and urgent appeal, local community leaders and concerned citizens from Southern Kaduna are calling on Barrister Sunday Marshall, the Senator representing Kaduna South, and other stakeholders to address the historical injustices and marginalization faced by indigenous communities in the region.
The appeal comes in the wake of a long-standing struggle against manipulative boundary adjustments that have systematically diluted the political strength of Southern Kaduna.
The current situation is a result of a series of events that have unfolded over the years, leading to the disenfranchisement of the indigenous populace.
Historically, the Lere and Kauru Local Government Areas (LGAs) were part of the old Saminaka LGA until 1989. This realignment not only disrupted the political landscape but also led to a growing sense of alienation among communities such as the Akurmi, Gure, Kahugu, and Piti.
The community leaders and concerned citizens are pointing out that the current political boundaries have been crafted through a series of unjust manipulations. For instance, Lere LGA was shifted to Kaduna North Senatorial District, while portions of old Kachia LGA were moved to Kaduna Central. This fragmentation has left Southern Kaduna with only eight LGAs, compared to nine in Kaduna North and six in Kaduna Central, creating a significant imbalance that undermines the political representation of the region.
The community is urging Senator Marshall and members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly from Southern Kaduna to take decisive action to address the historical injustices and marginalization faced by the indigenous communities.
They are citing key concerns such as the inequitable distribution of LGAs and marginalization in Lere LGA. Indigenous communities in Lere have faced ongoing political and social disenfranchisement, often finding themselves sidelined in leadership roles despite winning elections.
To rectify this situation, the community is proposing a Boundary Adjustment Bill that would return Lere LGA to Southern Kaduna and re-align Kachia LGA with Kaduna Central. This legislative action, they argue, is essential to restoring fairness and ensuring that indigenous communities have a voice in governance.
In a show of unity and determination, the indigenous tribes of Lere LGA are engaged in prayer and fasting, seeking divine intervention for the success of their cause. Leaders are urged to stand in solidarity with these communities, reinforcing their commitment to justice and equity.
The need for boundary adjustment transcends mere political maneuvering; it is a vital step towards correcting historical inequities and restoring the rightful place of Southern Kaduna’s indigenous populations. Community members express hope that their leaders will champion this cause, bringing to fruition a vision of justice that has been long overdue.
The community leaders and concerned citizens are pointing out that the current configuration of the LGAs has left Southern Kaduna with only eight LGAs, compared to nine in Kaduna North and six in Kaduna Central. This imbalance has undermined the political representation of the region and has led to the marginalization of the indigenous communities.
The community is citing key concerns such as the inequitable distribution of LGAs and marginalization in Lere LGA. Indigenous communities in Lere have faced ongoing political and social disenfranchisement, often finding themselves sidelined in leadership roles despite winning elections.
The community is proposing a Boundary Adjustment Bill that would return Lere LGA to Southern Kaduna and re-align Kachia LGA with Kaduna Central. This legislative action, they argue, is essential to restoring fairness and ensuring that indigenous communities have a voice in governance.
The community is also urging the leaders to engage in a dialogue with the indigenous communities and to listen to their concerns. They are calling on the leaders to take a stand against the historical injustices and marginalization faced by the indigenous communities and to work towards restoring fairness and equity in the region.
The appeal to Senator Marshall and other stakeholders is a call to action to address the historical injustices and marginalization faced by the indigenous communities in Southern Kaduna. The community is urging the leaders to take decisive action to restore fairness and equity in the region and to ensure that the indigenous communities have a voice in governance.
The appeal to Senator Marshall and other stakeholders is a reminder that the struggle for justice and equity is ongoing, and that the community will continue to fight for their rights until they are recognized and respected. The community is urging the leaders to join them in this struggle, to stand in solidarity with them, and to work towards creating a brighter future for all.
In the words of Bitrus Yadin Garun-Kurama, a concerned citizen, “The need for boundary adjustment transcends mere political maneuvering; it is a vital step towards correcting historical inequities and restoring the rightful place of Southern Kaduna’s indigenous populations. We urge our leaders to take decisive action to address the historical injustices and marginalization faced by our communities, and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.”
