In a spirited response to a recent statement issued by the Lere Local Government Unity Association Forum, a coalition of concerned natives from Lere has firmly asserted their identity and affiliation with Southern Kaduna, particularly the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU). This declaration comes in the wake of accusations that political leaders from Lere were improperly categorized as members of Southern Kaduna during the Southern Kaduna Cultural Festival (SKFEST) held in December 2024.
The original statement, signed by Barrister Nasiru Bello Dembo and his secretary, Mal. Ahmed Idris, claims that Lere Local Government is politically situated within the Northern Senatorial District, arguing that it does not belong to the geographical classification of Southern Kaduna. The authors warned event organizers to refrain from such categorizations to prevent confusion.
In a detailed rebuttal, the coalition of concerned natives emphasized that while it is true that Lere Local Government falls under the Northern Senatorial District from a political standpoint, this classification does not negate the historical and cultural ties that bind the people of Lere to Southern Kaduna. “We say yes, we are part of Southern Kaduna,” the coalition declared, highlighting the complexity of the region’s political history and demographic makeup.
The coalition underscored that the current political structure, which has historically fragmented communities in order to dilute their voting power, has not and cannot erase the cultural and emotional ties that connect the people of Lere to their Southern Kaduna heritage. They pointed out that the historical context of Lere and Kauru LGAs stems from their previous inclusion in the old Saminaka LGA until its bifurcation in 1989, which realigned political boundaries for strategic electoral advantages.
“The facts are sacred,” the coalition stated, invoking the community’s rich historical legacy, which spans back centuries to the Nok civilization. The coalition is emphasizing that their association with SOKAPU is a matter of personal choice and cultural identity, and they will not be swayed by external pressures to disown their heritage. They point out that the political office holders from Lere LGA who were referenced in the program of events for the grand finale could not debunk the fact that they are from Southern Kaduna, perhaps due to political reasons. The coalition also notes that no electoral constituency is permanent, and they trust that time and space will ultimately reveal the truth.
The natives of Lere local government are naturally part of SOKAPU, bonded by traditional, cultural, historical, and customary affinity. They have available and verifiable historical facts to support their claim, dating back to the migration periods and the Nok civilization, which is over 500 years old. The coalition wonders why their membership in SOKAPU has made Barr. Idris’ group jittery, and they challenge any investigative authority to verify the facts.
The coalition also questions whether the constitution of Nigeria is silent on freedom of association, and they answer that it is not. They ask if Barr. Nasiru Bello Dembo and Mallam Ahmed Idris can publish the names and members of their association with its ethno-religious composition, and they express skepticism that any of their ethnic groups are part of Barr Nasiru’s association.
The leadership of the various communities in Lere LGA has registered with SOKAPU and has been participating in its activities for decades. They include Amo, Piti, Kinugu, Anir’Arahgu (Kahugu), Akurmi, Gure, Dingi, Janji, Lemoro, and Jere. The coalition affirms that they are more at home with their kinsmen in Southern Kaduna Senatorial District and by extension, Gurara State, if the conversation for its creation continues. Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who has roots from Mauritania, has set a precedence by visiting his ancestral home while retaining his Nigerian citizenship
Interestingly, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who has roots from Mauritania, has set a precedence by visiting his ancestral home while retaining his Nigerian citizenship. The coalition argues that if this is acceptable for Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, then it should also be acceptable for the natives of Lere LGA to identify with their kinsmen in Southern Kaduna Senatorial District.
The natives of Lere LGA are calling on Senators Ibrahim Khalid and Sunday Marshall Katung to sponsor a bill to rectify the political banditry championed by Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, which has been a longstanding issue. The SKFEST event, which promotes cultural values, unity, and patriotism, has been a platform for leaders like Governor Uba Sani to preach peace and inclusive governance. The event has also been attended by other notable leaders, including Governor Diri Douyi of Bayelsa State and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state, who have all lent their voices to the conversation on peace and harmonious coexistence.
The natives of Lere LGA are essentially saying that they are more comfortable identifying with their kinsmen in Southern Kaduna, and that they will not be swayed by external pressures to disown their heritage. They are affirming their membership in SOKAPU, a cultural organization that promotes unity and mutual coexistence, and they are calling on their leaders to take action to protect their rights and interests.
It’s clear that the press statement by Barr Nasiru Bello and Mal. Ahmed Idris has been seen as an attempt to defend the political leaders who have been elected into office, while also trying to test the waters on whether or not the natives of Lere LGA are part of SOKAPU. However, the natives are having none of it, and they are standing firm in their assertion that they are indeed part of SOKAPU, and that nothing can change or rewrite that historical fact.
The statement is signed by Comrade Stephen Sale, Comrade Engr. S.I Mori, and Comrade Bitrus Elisha, among others, and it represents the collective voice of the natives of Lere LGA. They are calling on their leaders to take action, and to stand up for their rights and interests. It’s a powerful statement, and one that reflects the determination and resilience of the people of Lere LGA.