Coronation Of Gwantu Chief: El-Rufai tasks traditional institutions to foster peace, unity, inclusion
Story from Abah ADAH, Abuja
Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has urged traditional institutions of Gwantu and other chiefdoms as well as Emirates in the state to endeavour to foster peace, unity, and inclusion.
The Governor gave the charge at the crowning of, and presentation of the staff of office to, the Chief of Gwantu, His Royal Highness (HRH), Alhaji Balarabe Abdullahi Karma, held lol Qin Gwantu, Sanga LGA of southern Kaduna.
He said: “Permit me to begin by felicitating with the people of Gwantu Chiefdom who have severally conveyed to us their joy at the restructuring of the old Gwantu Chiefdom which resulted in the creation of the Arak Chiefdom. Gwantu is a historical chiefdom dating back hundreds of years which the Kaduna State Government re-established to correct an administrative anomaly. We therefore wish the people of this old chiefdom and the Gwantu Traditional Council every success in making it one of the best chiefdoms in state, prospering in peace, unity and inclusion.
“We congratulate His Highness, Alhaji Balarabe Abdullahi Karma on his appointment as the Second Class Chief of Gwantu. We wish him a happy and accomplished reign in the service of Gwantu Chiefdom and the state. He has been elevated into a position of privilege which has also imposed upon him many obligations and responsibilities, beyond the visible trappings of royalty.”
Appreciating traditional authorities for their support in the area of intelligence gathering towards overcoming security challenges in the state as well as bio-data record keeping, the governor urged all communities and stakeholders to continue to uphold friendly relations and mutual coexistence, even as he enjoined the people to ensure peaceful conduct of the 2023 elections.
“As we approach the 2023 elections, I appeal to our traditional, community and religious leaders to continue preaching to ensure peaceful exercise of democratic rights. Let all those entitled to vote be encouraged to do so freely, in an atmosphere devoid of any violence or intimidation.
“Our youths should not be misused by politicians to abridge the constitutional rights of any citizen to vote for the party and candidate of his or her choice. On our part, the Government shall ensure adequate security is provided to enable the exercise of the electoral rights of our people, by the special Grace of God,” El-Rufai said.
Responding, chief Karma said: “I want to assure your Excellency that, in line with your style of administration, my agenda in the chiefdom will be to ensure security, peace, unity and respect for each others culture, tradition and religious beliefs.
“It is a common and universal knowledge that security, peace and unity are the key factors that determine the progress of any community. It is against this backdrop that I, and the people of the chiefdom will draw up an action plan that will guide our corporate existence and resolve to achieve this agenda.”
Born on 31st March, 1955 in Gwantu, Balarabe Abdullahi Karma, hails from the “Gbatun” ruling house. In the early stage of his life, Balarabe Abdullahi Karma received Islamic education in Gwantu where he learnt about the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. He thereafter
started his primary western education and graduated with First Leaving Certificate in 1969.
He read Library and Information Science and Sociology at Bayero University Kano where he graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science Degree.
A successful career teacher, Karma from the primary level through secondary school became the pioneer principal of Government Secondary School Gbonkok, Arak.
In 2002, he was transferred to Zonal Office Anchau as a supervisor. He rose through the ranks to the position of Director Quality Assurance. After a meritorious service spanning over thirty five (35) years, Balarabe Abdullahi Karma successfully retired on 31st March, 2015.
