THE IGBOS ARE MORE USEFUL TO THE NORTH THAN ANY OF THE UNDER LISTED AREWA YOUTHFUL FORA: BEING A REJOINDER TO THE KADUNA DECLARATION A JOINT POSITION PAPER ISSUED BY THE AREWA CITIZENS ACTION FOR CHANGE, AREWA YOUTH CONSULTATIVE FORUM, AREWA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION, AREWA STUDENTS FORUM AND NORTHERN EMANCIPATION NETWORK ON THE IGBO PERSISTENCE FOR SECESSION AS ISSUED ON TUESDAY 6 JUNE, 2017

BY
JF. Dabo
(A Social Development and Political Analyst)
Jubalfreeman@gmail.com
Www.freemanjubal.blogspot.com.ng

PREAMBLE
The challenge of Nigeria today is not security challenges, it is not the Niger Delta militancy, it is not actually the corruption of Nigerians, it is not even a case of a failed democracy but a matter of immaturity and lack of wisdom in managing such blessings as diversity in it ramifications as prevalent in Nigeria. It calls for concern when we wake up each day only to be greeted with such news from the north that seem to suggest that there are ancient primitive minds still existing in a twenty first advanced century. It was with such shock and disappointment that the news of the so called "Kaduna Declaration" greeted my ears. But, we are welcome to the north where these things should not be causes for surprise. Indeed we still have the disciples of the renowned Sir. Ahmadu Bello who still feel that the nation "called Nigeria should be and estate of their great grandfather Uthman Dan Fodio..." (Parrots News Paper, October 12, 1960). These characters still feel and believe Nigeria is their inheritance and they must "ruthlessly" maintain that.

Today Arewa youth are at it again. I shall here use Arewa youth since all the above listed fora are youthful all in nature. Let it also be noted that it is a youth from the North that is writing.

I have lived my entire life in the North where i was born, just as my father was and even his great grand father, hence, I have all legitimate rights due to a Northern Youth. However, I shall sincerely clear the air, and set the plain ground where many mighty rejoinders will soon fall on with regards to the said Kaduna declaration. I shall in brief respond to very few but important points that demands response if we must make clear the fact that this declaration lacks merit even within the majority sense able Northern Youths.

THE CASE
It is no longer news the fact that a statement was issued on Tuesday 6 June, 2017 by a collection of fora that claims to be speaking for the entire north and taking a stand with regards to the issue of secession loudly proclaimed and associated to the Igbos. It was clear, the fact that this Arewa fora declared war against the natives of the Igbo tribe resident in the North. Whatever necessitated this declaration, whoever sponsored this, whatever acceptance this declaration has from the minority tribes in the North is not my concern here. But my concern is to bring to bare the illegitimacy of this declaration even within the North.

WHAT NECESSITATED THE DECLARATION
The document itself made clear the triggers of this declaration. As stated in the declaration, the Arewa fora as listed why they feel it necessary to make such declarations. They stated in the declaration thus:

1. That the igbos who they so defind as "the cruel Igbos", have done and are doing more damage to 'our' collective nationhood than any other ethnic group; being responsible for the first violent interference with democracy in Nigeria resulting in a prolonged counter-productive chain of military dictatorship.

2. That the Igbos similarly orchestrated the first, and so far, the only civil war in Nigeria that consumed millions of lives and sowed the seed of the current mutual suspicion and distrust.

3. That the Igbos are also responsible for Nigeria's cultural and moral degeneracy with their notorious involvement in all kinds of crimes, including international networking for drug and human trafficking, violent robberies and kidnappings, high-profile prostitution and advanced financial fraud.

4. That at the peak of the devastating Boko Haram violence in some parts of the North, available records show that the Igbo people have variously been apprehended while attempting to convey catches of dangerous arms and ammunition to the
troubled regions.

5. That there are today sufficient reasons to suspect that some Igbos masquerade as Fulani herdsmen to commit violent atrocities across the country in order to cause and spread ethnic disaffection.

6. That t is also on record that since the inception of the current democratic dispensation, the Igbos have shown and maintained open contempt and resentment for the collective decision expressed by majority of Nigerians at various stages via generally acceptable democratic processes.

These the above listed fora feels are reasons that only such declaration could address. Wisdom or folly is what we will soon uncover.

Mine is not to wash the Igbos off the claims. But every right thinking fellow would already see the politics in play with this so called Kaduna declaration. What amaze me is the strong will these fora states their stand. In the opening to their stand point, we are greeted with such words as: "From today, June 6, 2017, when this proclamation is signed, the North, ... declares that it will no longer be disposed to coexisting with the". It is not a call for the north to disassociate herself from the Igbos, nor is it an advice. But an order, of cause they call it a declaration. What one feels from reading this lines is first sympathy, then second is the power in the statement. I feel this fora are actually not alone but standing a representation of the big beast who is at back stage. To that regard, I call on Nigerians to take this issue seriously and not be deceived by any decision of arrest or call to caution that  the Federal Government or any State Government will offer, especially when such comes from the North. Nigeria should by now learn not to trust the words of some people on some particular issues.

Another thing we see in their stand is the clear statement that speaks of nothing but a declaration of war against the igbos where the documwnt stated thus; "... and shall take definite steps to end the partnership..." What I wonder is who these fora call the North. Is the North simply their backyard, or is Nigeria simply Sir Ahmadu Bello's living room that they so feel they could stand authorities over anyone at anytime and on whatever issue they so desire?. The Northern minority group has a task to deal with this unholy practice that is capable of causing us a calamity we cannot imagine now.

BETWEEN THE IGBOS AND THESE FORA WHO IS UNCULTURED?

These fora clearly stated that their conclusion "is necessitated by the realization that it since ceased to be comfortable or safe to continue sharing the same country with the ungrateful, uncultured Igbos who have exhibited reckless disrespect for the other federating units and stained the integrity of the entire nation with their insatiable criminal obsessions". I wonder who this description properly fits. First i wonder who is ungrateful between the Igbos and the North. The igbos have been denied the Nigerian presidency for long and they have not caused Nigeria a life on that, at least non that we can account for, but what and who is the cause of the 2011 election crisis that caused us lives and properties and still left ugly consequences as we have them prevailing today? Was it an Igbo man who declared that should he fail to will the presidency blood should flow? Who is truly ungrateful? The Igbo or the tribe these fora seek to represent?
For truth sake let us all reason together. Between the North and the south east, who have so far ruled Nigeria the most? Within the ages counted as Nigeria's democracy ages, how many Igbos have had the opportunity to rule Nigeria? How many Northerners? Be free to quote me, the North is the problem of Nigeria. However, presently, the North is holding power in Nigeria. Hence, I find it unnecessary this declaration if it were legitimate. You are tired of Mr. A, Mr A have long been demanding freedom from you, is it not just wise that you let him go if in fact you are tired of tolerating Mr. A? I actually do not seem to see the rationale behind this declaration.

I find this fora more uncultured than any sect in this country call Nigeria. This fora have always released a bias, sectional and uncultured press statements times with no number. Most if not all of their activities have been sentimental and emotionally guided. One will wonder who is in fact fighting these fora that they keep being this furious at shadows that do not even recognize them as anything to be taking seriously. Or could it be a mere search for relevance which seem the order of the day now?

THE IGBOS ARE INDEED A THREAT

It seem there is something Arewa youth seem wanting to achieve in the North that she finds the Igbos living among us a threat and a block to that. Hence the best to employ is to threaten them into living the North for good. Above, these fora accussed the Igbos of being enemies to national integration, yet here we find them calling for each region to go her way because they are tired of 'tolerating' them. Child's play, who is being anti-integration? Listen to them; "Rather than certain sections holding the whole country to ransom at every stage, each should be allowed to go its own way as we categorically proclaim today that the North is fed up". I appeal to the gentle voice of reason in each and all to assess this statement. Who is holding who ransom. Is it the South East, or the North that have ruled Nigeria from of old? This is simply baseless. What I see here is that these fora have unsuccessfully attempted to read meaning into what does not even exist. Is it an Igbo man on the rule now? Or how is the Igbo nation responsible for the recession we are in? Is it an Igbo man that have been the chief of Army staff? Or how is the Igbo nation responsible for the jamboree in bringing to a lasting solution this security challenge? Is Boko haram representing the Igbo nation more than the north? Is the Fulani militia 'igboiticly' inclined? No, all these have direct and unquestionable links to the North. So who is actually holding Nigeria to ransom. Or could it be just that since the Igbos appear economically wise and strong so they now cause a threat to an untold agenda of the Arewa fora? I think that should be the point, at least a statement that reads; "by taking steps to facilitate the final dissolution of this hopeless union that has never been convenient to any of the parties". Kindly meditate some more on, "never been convenient".

THE IGBOS ARE MORE USEFUL IN THE NORTH THAN YOU ARE

To we the minority groups of the North, the Igbos have been more useful in terms of economic development, facilitation of national unity, brotherliness, peaceful coexistence to mention but these than the so acclaimed majority Hausa/Fulani tribe. But for the igbos in particularly Southern Kaduna where I come from, we will have been a dead zone. Remove the Igbos from Southern Kaduna and you will have no commercial activities in southern Kaduna. Is it because the over 53 minority groups in southern Kaduna are unwise or lazy? On the contrary, these minority groups are among the best you will find in any work of life you offer them an opportunity to venture into. But we have been so placed under a level where to make an effort towards economic, and political freedom, it seem impossible. However, with the existence of the Igbos and other nations from other regions among us, one could see a generation that is before the light of day and is making efforts towards freedom from the ungodly hold by the so acclaimed majority Hausa/Fulani tribes. Clearly one can see that given this development, it is normal for the so called Arewa Youth to feel the Igbos among us are strong holds to our agitation for freedom which surely is near accomplishment.

It is on record that there have been series of attacks in the christian dominated areas in the North, Arewa youth have not said or done anything useful to the realization of a lasting peace in these areas. They have not condemn the unholy activities of their brothers against those who are so termed ' infidels'. When the nation is boiling in recession, they have not issue out any useful economic advise towards a way out of the current economic recession. The Arewa Youths have not said a useful word about the boiling issues that seem to be dragging the nation to doom. Yet, they found it important to attack Femi, Fayosa and now the entire Igbo nation living in the north. How have these fora proof themselves as ambassadors of national integration than the disintegration stars and champions they loudly are? Let us make do with this.

It is a taboo to blaspheme against Islam,
Many have died on account of blasphemy against Islam,
Islam is a religion of peace,
Major terrorist groups in the north have claimed to be fighting an Islamic agenda,
All Arewa fora claim Islam as major in the North,
Non of them have sincerely condemned these terrorist,
They Igbos have been helpful.

Who is more a nationalist?

I pray the world is able to see the fact that there is more to it than we read in the declaration. It is not today that the issue of secession is heard, why are these fora taking it upon themselves to talk about something that lack merits where Nigerian challenges are discussed? There is a lot of investigation to the true activities of these groups to be done. To this end, I make the following prayer:

1. That all organizations, Associations, unions and groups within the North that do not identify themselves in this shameful and disgusting declaration should as a matter of urgency issue a press statement disassociating themselves with this show of unpatriotic spirit.

2. That the government should genuinely bring this fora to truly facing the law.

3. That any agency that granted recognition and registration to any of the aforementioned fora should in the spirit of the desire for national integration call off such registrations and recognition granted all these fora.

4. That all Northern Governors, Politicians, Religious and Traditional leaders should stand out in total condemnation of this declaration and ensure justice is done on the architects of the so called Kaduna declaration.

5. That the Igbo community should disregard this but stay vigilant in wherever they find themselves in the North.

By way of a seal to my rejoinder I give out this adage that is a fruit of my reaction to the Kaduna declaration by Arewa Youth, this day of Wednesday 7 June, 2017. Be free to quote. It reads:

"Nigeria is not Uthman Danfodio's estate, if it were, Ahmadu Bello will still live".

THE PENETRATION OF ISLAM AND THE ISLAMIC INFLUENCE IN THE HISTORY OF SOUTHERN KADUNA PEOPLE: A FRUIT OF TRANS SAHARAN TRADE BEAING A TALK DELIVERED ON THE SKHISTORY PROJECT; AT ZARIA, NIGERIA ON 25 MARCH 2017

BY

 

JUBAL FREE-MAN (JF.) DABO
Jubalfreemandabo@gmail.com
+234-8140537507

INTRODUCTION
A people's history is set for destruction the very moment such a people focus on the problems of a such a dying history. Most histories of the world stand awash not because they are faced by a force or forces beyond them but because they people are overtaken by the pains of the process of the distraction of their history. Need I establish quickly, the fact that a people without a history or a good grasp of their history is a people soon to exit existence. Far before the 50s southern Kaduna has been under a slow progressive agenda, there has been an existing project at destroying the southern Kaduna history and to this moment such a project is still maintaining its 'progressive' status. His has been progressive not really because the powers against us are stronger than we are but because we settled for dressing the wounds of the project and not facing the I'll project itself. We kept cutting the branches of the unwanted tree with the aim of killing it for each season they (the branches) grew when in fact what we should have done is to destroy it from the roots.
These vain venture is traceable in our numerous struggles in the years past. From the days of fighting for survival when Zazzau kept standing against us, to the years of the quest for freedom in the old Emirate system of ruling, through to the quest for southern Kaduna State, inclusion in governance, the list can go on. All these have been problems, yes, but they are all a process towards one end. That end is the total termination of the southern Kaduna people. I had never been disappointed as I was on the day His Excellency Arch Barnabas Yusuf Bala on an AIT program (Sunrise Daily) stated his inability to see a territorial ambition in the ingoing Fulani terrorist activities in southern Kaduna even when this is clear.
The need to rewrite the southern Kaduna history is one all important task that awaits us, the time to do it is now, and the champions of this project is no other but myself and yourselves. It time we return to the root, develop literatures, build up our youths and redirect the dead articles of our culture and history. It is often said that if you want a task done well, you should do it yourself.
I was invited as a resource person in this historic gathering because of my March 11th rejoinder to the Zazzau Emirate Development Association, That much I know. I found myself compelled to react to ZEMDA's advitorial for no reason but for the fact that it dawn on me that one need challenge such I'll ventures as soon as they arise. In today's gathering, as you demanded, I shall take you on a ride through the issue of trans Saharan trade in central Nigeria, particularly on its impact in southern Kaduna people and the history. Let us go there.

ON THE MYTH OF OUR ORIGIN
It was C.K. Meek, that stated in his work on "The Northern Tribes of Nigeria, vol. I, pp. 19-20. That " because Borno was well connected with Egypt by Darfur and Kordofan, and could be approached from Kanem via Lake Chad, it became the broadway for invading tribes into Northern Nigeria (sic)" Through the corridor created, hordes of invaders from the North and East displaced less organized tribes. C.K. Meek further stated that "the displaced tribes found easy passage west along the Kamadugu River and the great plains of Borno, Kano, Katsina and Zaria to the south." This is in a quest to establish befor the trans-saharan trade days, Central Nigeria in general and Southern Kaduna in particular had a people existing originally there in. Any other as shall be seen here after is but an invader traceable on commercial grounds though this commerce carried with it some more articles that will later deal a dirty blow on the life of Southern Kaduna natives.
Southern Kaduna as we all know is a collection of very many minority ethnic nationalities. These different tribes has with them their individual myth of origin. Given the issue of the limitations of this paper, we shall not so much go into detailed amount of all the various myth of origins we have. But for the sake stinking you to further research, let me place on record here a brief Atyab myth of origin.
The first Atyab Myth of origin has the Atyab as Originally living in the East from where they moved to settle in Katsina, then Sokoto and last to their present locationlocation. In the second Myth of origin they have such ancestors as Minyan who is said to had set out from Kallah in Kajuru District to go hunting and coming to a stream called "Rafago" near the present day Zangon Kataf, he settled there given the abundance of game in the bush there. Minyan Married and gave birth to two sons there, Fakan and Aswan. It is said that in one of his hunting after he had settled, he came across SOE fellows playing in the gully, it turned out that they were playing "Dodo" a fetish worship. Minyan took them to his house and build a compound for them. That saw the expansion of the settlement as with time they both began marrying each other's daughters.
While a third version indicates the original home of the Atyab was located at Kargi close to Ruruma Hills in Kauru District. It holds that Agba'at was the ancestor of Agba'at clan and founder of the Atyab ethnic group. Agba'at is said to have had three sons namely, Amuran, Yafo and Allan. He had set out from Kargi near Dan Allhaji Lere District with his three sons. He came across Minyan's sons "Fakan and Aswen." He stopped at their compound and asked for drinking water, after he had quenched his thirst, they offered and he accepted to stay with them and join in their hunting. It is in the pages of history that it was at the instance of the Agba'at hunters' hunting for elephants that one of them of the Nje sub-clan stambed the ground, (while some will say it was a horse hoof) and Aku who was the ancestor of the Aku clan sprang out of the ground with a calabash of liquor from the hoof mark made by the Nje hunter. Nje is an Agba'at horsemen sub-clan. A fire was made for Aku and after feeling warm, he too remained with Agba'at never to return to his underground home. Aku the founded the Aku clan as Agba'at alongside his son Allan and grand sons Kpaisa and Makwar founded the Agba'at clan. Agba'at with his son and grant sons were said to later moved out and form their dwelling at Tanje from where the group got divided thereby forming Nje, Kpaisa, and Kokwak clans. Kokwak clan on moving Northwards came across the Sokwa clan. At the moment of the said division of the Agba'at clan, it is held that the Kachechere clan was beginning to get smaller and Atswam-Chawai were being confined to the River Kaduna. The story about Sokwa's origin is that himself and his wife miraculously came out of Kaduna River and were rainmakers.
The implication here is that, the Atyab people comprises of distinct groups of clans, namely, the immigrant clans represented by Minyan and Agba'at and the autochthonous clans as Shokwa and Aku. Though most Southern Kaduna tradition of origin are silent about the series of events and movements, especially the causes of such movement, but there is a reference to some attempt at escaping from the heavy taxation imposed on these clans then by the Kauru chief in the case of Minyan, for Agba'at, it was to escape slave raids by the Have rulers of Zazzau. Note that there is no any linguistic, cultural or religious affinity between the Atyab migrants and the Habe people of Katsina and Sokoto. Note too that Katsina and Sokoto as used here may not mean the present day cities of Katsina and Sokoto. Generally, the migration of the Atyab people to their present dwelling is traceable to the 17th and 18th centuries.

TRADES AND THE TRADE ROUTES
Comercial activities where responsible for the penetration of external influence in southern Kaduna territory. The Trans-Saharan Trade stimulated the establishment of five (5) major trade routes namely:

1. Morocco route from Marakeesh to Taodeni, through Audaghost, Walata to Timbuktu.
2. Morocco from Tlemcen and Fez, through Sijilmasa, Taghaza, Tuat-Taotet, Arawa to Go and Timbuktu.
3. Routes from Algeria and Tunis from Constantine through Ghadames, That Air, Agades to Katsina and Kano.
4. The Tripoli-Fezzan-Bornu route through Murzuk, Bilma to Ngazargamu of Bornu.
5. The Cyrenaica-Kufra route to Watal through Kordofan, El Dasher to Sennar in Sudan.

 These five major routes linked North Africa to West Africa as well other areas of Tropical African. E. Onwolabi in a Textbook, Economic History of West Africa established in page 21 that from the Sudanic termini like Wada, Ngazargamu, Kano, Katsina, Timbuktu and Walata came goods from the various parts of West Africa and other parts of Tropical Africa. To Timbuktu and Janne came gold from Begho and Ashanti and also Kolanuts. Cloths Came to Kano from Nupe country and its environs. Leather goods, fund, wax, ostrich feathers and slaves came to Kano and Katsina from various parts of Western Sudan. Kolanuts and ivory came from as far as south as Yorubaland.
In exchange, goods from Europe, North Africa, Asia were brought to Western Africa, they included calicoes and cotton prints from Britain, Italian beads and silk, German swords and blades, Moroccan and Egyptian redcaps, sashes and trousers. Salt was brought down to West Africa as a special commodity through the routes from Taghaza, Taotek and BilmaBilma.
With the Trans-saharan Caravan routes caused the establishment of such local routes from Sudanic termini Wadai, through Ngazargamu, Kano, Katsina, Zaria, Sokoto, Walata southwards towards River Niger and River Benue and beyond. Because of the emergence of Hausa Trading Colonies across southern Kaduna, four of these long distance trade routes deserve our attention:
1. The route from Kano, Faki, Zaria, through Kauru, Znagon Katab, Keffi, Nupeland, Oyo, to Gonja.
2. The route from Kano, Zaria, Igabi, Kakuri, Kajuru, Kachia, Kagarko, Keffi, Oyo to Gonna.
3. Bauchi route through Jos, Bukuru, Miango, Fadan Chawai, Kurmin Rizga, Zangon Katab, Jere, Abuja, to Lokoja.
4. The route from Kano, Gadas, Lere, Zangon Katab, Jema'a, Lokoja.
These four routes further caused the emergence of such other trade routes as we had:

In Ham Land (Ribi Ham)
1. Kwoi-Sambam, Fadan Kagoma, Ungwar Rimi, to Kafanchan
2. Ankun, Kwoi, Nok, Chori, Kuryas, Kurmin Kwara, Kyari.
3. Fadan Kagoma, Ungwar Rana, Gidan Sani, Gidan Jibir, Jaban kogo, Sabon Sarki, Kwaturu, Kachia.
4. Kwoi, Nok, Chori, Kurmin Musa, Kurmin Rami, Gidan Mana, Jaban Kogo to Zonkwa.
5. Kachia, Dangwarga, Kuda, Gantan, Kurmin Dangana, Kubacha, to Kakarko.
6. Kurmin Jatau, Fai, Nok, Chori, Kuryas, Fadan Kagoma.
7. Sambam Daji, Ramindop, Indofa, Ankung, Taime, Idar as presented in Gazetteer of Zaria province, by E.J Arnet.

In Bajjuland
1. Jema'a, Ungwar Rimi, Kamaru, Abet, Farmang, Zuturung to Zonkwa.
2. Zonkwa, Zuturung, Framang, Abet, Gidan Maga, to Jaban Kogo and Walijo.
3. Zonkwa, Badauchi, Tsoriyang, Aduwan, Madakiya, to Kafanchan.
4. Kafanchan, Katsit, Ungwar Rimi, Marsa, Rikawa, Jaban Kogo, Walijo to Kachia.
5. Fadan Kaje, Zonkwa, Fadiya, Fadan Kamantan, Kurmin Mazuga, to Kachia.

In Adaraland
1. Kachia, Ankwua, Awon, Kojo, Kateri.
2. Kakau, Kankomi, Kasuwan Magani, Kalla, Libere, Kauru.
3. Kachia, Kurmin Biri, Idon, Doka, Kufana, Kajuru.
4. Kachia, Ankura, Mai Ido Kafai, Bishni.

In Akurmiland
1. Karun Kurama, Doka, Ramin kura, Danjaba, Lere, Sabon Birni, Dan Alhaji, to Tudun Wada.
2. Rahama, Saminaka, Sabon Birni, Tsuruntawa, Yarkasuwa, Kudaru, Maigamo.
3. Kudaru, Goron Dutse, Kukun Kurama, Maskawa, Juran Taba to Bauchi.
4. Goron Dutse, Kakun Kurama, Galmo, Kayarda, Sabon Birni, Saminaka, Rahama.

In Aworokland, Asholioland and Attakadland
1. Kagoro-Chawai route through, Tsok-awai, Abum, Madamai, Makwahu, Magata, Mayayit, Masong, to Zangon Katab.
2. Attakar-chawai route through Watyab, and Makwahu, linking up with the Kagoro-Chawai route at Magata.
3. kagoro-Ganwuri (Aten) route through Dusai, Watyab, Gizagwai, Manchok and Mahuta.
4. Kachechere, from Kagoro, through Dusai, Mafonk, and Jankasa.
5. Kagoro-Koro route through Kafanchan, Ungwar Rimi, Fadan Kagoma, to Kwoi-(Dah),Jaba.
6. Kagoro-Zonkwa route through Tsok-awai, Zali, Tsoriyang, Fagwai, Kankada, to Zongwa as reported in J. Gyuk's Occasional unpublished Paper of 1981 Titled; Thoughts on Jaban Local Government.

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ZANGOS
The local long distance Trans-saharan trade routes reported above necessiteted the emergence of Hausa trading colonies hereafter to be referred to as "hospitality or resting zones that sprang along these routes. Most of this colonies are referred to in their original Hausa name as Zango, and Zango is Hausa name for a resting places. Most of these Zangos carry with them the Hausa possessive sign or indicator which is the letter "n" and then followed by the name of the southern Kaduna native tribe that hosted this Hausa traders to indigate that these are hospitality centers granted the traders by the southern Kaduna natives, also by extension to show that the land is originally for the Southern Kaduna natives. However not all this ZANGOS carry with them the Zango, tag as must just settled with names, most of which are not the original names of this places. This is where we find the clear attempt at changing history. These ZANGOS include: Zangon Aya, Pambeguwa, Rahama, Saminaka, Lere, Kauru, Kajuru, Kachia, Kagarko, Jere, Zangon Katab, Jema'a Dororo later Kafanchan, amongst others.

PENETRATION OF ISLAM INTO SOUTHERN KADUNA

REMOVE THE BLINDFOLD AND SEE THE ACHIEVEMENTS YOU NEVER SEEM TO SEE

Nigerians

keep lamenting about the pains of the present, they have cursed the day they voted out PDP and in APC. Some have cursed their thumps though I expect to see one who would cut off his thump all invain. In the court of public opinion, the present administration is judged a failure and a good number that have been heard says the present administration is a mistake they would never repeat. And Nigerians just keep crying and crying. I recall in hest the days of the 'higgy hagger' when the campaign drums where loud and each danced the tune he loves best, and it was so sweet and awesome. Change and Transformation they both sounded. Today we have achieved the change and the transformation is ungoing but no one that have been loudly heard seem to accept the fact of this achievements. This simply shows our myopic out look at things that really concerns us.

If I were a church man I know I would not contest the fact that my most sacred book would say 'all that God does is wonderful'. Can you imagine!! I think the church men should tell us the truth if what they preach us is not really true we should be allowed to enjoy this life and expect whatever the future holds because sadly they too join in the senseless outlook at what is prevailing with a negative goggles. They have told us to face challenges as the necessary bridge we must cross as they keep calling us to carry the cross with joy as it is the only way, sadly these too have helped in building this sense in us that seem to say hopelessness is the only thing we have now. They like the careless of the rest of all have failed to see the hand of God in what is happening at present. Possibly they too have falling to the grip of the pains and have balanced on the fleshy bank that they join in the song of lamentation when in fact they should be the moses of this Exodus. It was funny when I received a call that announced to me the policy that demands for #15,000 naira deposit from a friend of mine before baptism could be done ... '. Christianity for sale you could call that. Sure if it has reached this way, anything, everything and even the unexpected can be expected.

Again the Muslims are not left behind in this out cry, they have publicly cursed their own (the first of it kind in Nigeria). Well for my part that is an achievement for now I see the monster of religious, rigional, tribal ... Sentiments bow down to a realty that bedeviles us. At least for the first time we have a common ground to stand on, both are faced with same challenge and we can now reason together. It is a shift from the norm that have placed every Muslim or Islamist at the advantage above any other Nigerian especially in the North. If for no reason, the Christians in the North have the just duty to confirm this claim as true. For the first time altleast on an appreciable standard there is a shift from that all thanks to the Chanji dole that we now curse. I know you know too the pains that minority groups have had to endure all through history. I know you know through history we have not had a good number of Muslims stand against any of her blood that is occupaying any public office even if he were the Nigerian Hitler. It has always been 'Na su Nasune'. And now, the table has turn and we still cannot see. I laugh each time I read from bloggers who share how Buhari is hated even in his state. I care less if such is true, if it is true 'toh wallahi DA gaske' change is home.

Those who over time have logically and objectively followed my pieces of literature would affirm that from time I have never been a party dog as I go with the candidate that I feel best even if Shakau where his party chairman. This piece you should agree with me is not a way of gratifying or exunerating Buhari or APC, I have no reason to at least non of you have heard my appointment to any political office, again it is not a way of painting PDP or any party or person(s) black, at least you were not told of my arrest by the PDP government. All am saying is I have no reason to hate or love any I am only carrying out the task of letting Nigerians know how ungrateful we have become and how we have covered our eyes from objecrively seeing reality. This is born out of the fear that we are soon to return back to our once unwanted home.

THE PROBLEM WITH CHANGE
We have no problem from the word go with each other, the problem only came shortly after the elections. That problem is with the defination of the word 'change'. It is clear APC had her definition of the word change while myself and other Nigerians had our own individual definition of the word. I recall clearly at the early stage of the campaign I said in a post at Gurara Forum that "we would need to ask APC what change she is offering us as we would also need to ask PDP what transformation she mean to offer us", this was so said because I noticed the diversities in the definitions of the various slogans. If APC, PDP and Nigeran's had a uniform definition of the two slogans we would not have experienced this dark age with much misunderstanding as now. But APC had her own definition that by my assessment through her policies now seem to suggest a sanitation exercise. To most Nigerians like music star Olamide, all the change they ever wanted was a vacation for PDP and the emergence of a new ruling party as we listen in Olamide's song "APA, APC, APC, APC Bihari and Osibanjo na the change we want". To others it was a Change that would come and send many looters on the run as we would listen to in the popular Hausa song " Masu gudu su gudu". To people like me the change we defined was one that would come and plead to the conscince of Nigerians to return what is Nigerian's, a Change that would guide Nigerians toward forgetting the ugly past, redefind the Nigerian mind towards a new start. A change that would redefined the history of Nigeria with very little reference to the past. For my kind this change Knows no arresting and prosecuting but a plea for patriotism and a trust on posterity.
As we can clearly see there is a difference on the understanding of the change needed. Now, let us be sincere to ourselves, it is by our definition of change that this regret arises. Clearly we both presumed and we now reap the rich harvest.

ANY ACHIEVEMENT RECORDED?
Apart from the fact with the problem of defination, Nigerians are just ungrateful, inpatient and lack focus when she says there is nor gain in voting this government. Any one that would say this administration is a total failure is insincere, ungrateful, unnecessarily wicked or is just not ready for a better Nigeria. I am a 1987 born having no good romance with history but as early as 2004 I already knew the problem with Nigeria
 It is not as if Nigeria do not know the solution to her problems, rather, it is that no one is bold enough to be the agent of that solution, no one is ready to bear the challenges that accompanies such a change. That is because most that know this solution knows well that the challenges with it are bigger given the nature of Nigerians. They will throw stones, rain curses, humiliate, frustrate and do any other thing possible to stop that solution from coming home. I do not know if any body sensed the way and manner the military Obasanjo handed over power, I do not know if any one reads anything in Good luck's withdrawal from the removal of fuel subsidy. You see Nigerians just past through events without learning from them. Little wonder the politicians were able and are able to play over Nigeria with such ease and with no resistance.

From what is going on we can see that Nigerians expected a miraculous president and not the one they have in Buhari. We all love that changes, we want things to be better but no one whats to be part of that change process.

.............watch out for next: the hand of God in Change.............

NIGERIA IS DYING AND EVERY ONE IS DOING EVERYTHING BUT WHAT SHOULD BE DONE

When I say that Nigeria is doomed to walk the night, I do not mean that it is a problem of leadership, I mean that the critical minds have either been bought over by their affiliations or by the hardship have given up hope in the fact of the constancy of change.

They critical minds have learned to talk not because they have something to say but because they want to say something, they say everything except what they should say.

By every means possible they make their words reach every ear except they ears that should hear their voices.

And you find their write ups and voices everywhere except where their write ups and voices should be.

They think tanks of the country have turn or have been turned into kids as they rather are more of talking drums than the think tanks they should be.

'Maza da malamai na zubar da martaban su'. On their Facebook walls, Twitter Handles etc
 they talk nonsense.

Even the little truth and wisdom in the words they speak is dead silent and covered by the very many unwise and unguided words they speak and write.

Worst so, They find pleasure in talking the problems not studying them, they do so not with a view to finding lasting solutions but to buy fruitless relevance  and paint a fellow black.

They constantly attack persons than ideas.

They soon turn cartoonist and are far showing off the little boys in them to the destruction of the men in them.

Unfortunate is the fact that they use all sort of abusive words and names against their leaders forgetting that they will be their in just a matter of time.

They soon forget what their religious books says about a leader nor do they remember what morality will feel about disregard to leaders.

They hardly any time to listen to themselves talk hence are unable to see their dignity varnishing.

In their little offices they are found wanting yet they feel justified calling the must tried clueless.

They bend down looking for a hole to reveal the front man's anus forgetting that someone is behind them and that their trousers too could tire off and make a hole.

In the court of public opinion they receive credence and the loud shout of the little distracts them from seeing the danger in the silence of the many.

Their senses tells them they are always right and they so focus on their senses that they are unable to listen to the voice of reason telling them they are wrong.

They are slaves to crowd mentality that they forget everyone could be wrong.

They call themselves democrats without knowing that democracy is a collection of like minds and not necessarily the right minds. They forget that with democracy all could say black is white and it is judged right.

They say they have rights to speak yet appear ignorant of the duties such rights pose on them.

They forget that others too have same rights as themselves and that where their rights stops there another person's begins.

I could write on and on but you wouldn't read all so we leave the rest for another day praying that we will grow above our affiliations and hardship and start reasoning the best we should.

J.F. Dabo