…say Tinubu on the right track towards security, development Nigeria
By Gloria Ikibah
Christian and community leaders across Adamawa State have been urged to rise to the challenge of reclaiming their rightful place in shaping the state’s future. 
The call came during the Adamawa State Strategic Prayer, Peace and Security for Development Conference, organised by the Arewa Christian Indigenous Pastors Association ACIPA, in collaboration with Nehemiah Development Initiatives International and Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, held on Friday in Yola, Adamawa state.
The two-day gathering, themed “Adamawa State, Arise and Shine”, drew inspiration from Isaiah 60:1 and focused on peacebuilding, unity, security, and development.
ACIPA Chairman and Coordinator Nigeria National Christians Coalition (N.N.C.C) North Central Zone, Rev’d Luke Shehu, in his remarks said the theme was “carefully chosen from Isaiah 60:1 with the understanding of the context of the transformation that comes with the dawning of the glory of the Lord upon a people and land — the land and people arise and shine and the latter glory becomes greater than the former.”
He stressed that the event was not designed for empty rhetoric or political posturing, and reflected on the history of the state and its many tribes, raising questions about the origins of the name “Adamawa” and the role of the region’s indigenous gatekeepers.
“This conference is not intended to serve as a mere intellectual, religious, political or social stunt to placate individuals or institutional ego or for gains.
“Thus the reason why despite our limitations, we attempted developing a standard concept note and sourcing for competent resource persons whose presentation will illicit robust discussion resulting into a communique that is reliable and will stand the taste of time.
“One may ponder, firstly, why was the land named Adamawa province when there where indigenous people octotonous to the land, where were the tribal and territorial gatekeepers? How did the former name Gongola emerged? Who were at the inception and naming? Why was Gongola jettisoned in preference for Adamawa?” he stated.
Rev’d Shehu noted the state’s ethnic diversity, which includes over 70 tribes across 21 local government areas. “Among the tribes in Adamawa state are, Bachama/Bata, Kilba, Higi, Mumuye, Lunguda, Marghi, Chamba just to mention a few,” he said.
The ACIPA Chairman also warned of the dangers of ignoring security threats, he recalled previous warnings issued to local communities before attacks in Michika, Madagali, and at Kwarghi, which went unheeded.
“Unfortunately, from our intelligence we had warned of the impending attack specifically at Kwarghi where the E.Y.N church headquarters is situated, warned of the attack at Michika and Madagali but those we spoke to doubted us and rejected our counsel.
“Also, unfortunately, your son our brother, late Air Marshall Alex Badeh was the chief of defence staff at that point. That was deliberately well calculated to make mockery of who you are, who we are and where we came froml,” he recounted.
Rev’d. Shehu described the contest in Adamawa as “the authority and ownership of the land as well as the superiority of the alter, which is a clash of alter to determine who’s is superior.”
He therefore urged Christians and community leaders in the state to rise with courage and vision. Quoting Shakespeare, he warned against “the types of enemies of rebuilding a new nation and people – Tobia and Sambalat.”
“Injustice cannot be corrected by silence, lamentations, or conspiracy of the selfish. Neither can injustice be corrected by or with villains or cowards.
“Christians of Adamawa state have a choice, either to succeed in their ambition of rising and shining for the greater development of the state and region as people with wisdom of Christ or choose to fail again.
“In either case, you will choose to be remembered as heroes who stoop to conquer or gallant warriors who failed again as cowards, fools or wicked men against their generation’s success.
“We can stoop to conquer like the mystery in which Christ stoop to conquer and make public ridicule of the devil on the cross and at resurrection, thus conquering the world”, he stated.
Rev’d. Shehu expressed appreciation to Adamawa State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) under Rev. Dr Danjuma Manzo and Bishop Nixon Jallo for their collaboration, as well as to Archbishop Markus Ibrahim Amfani.
He also extended gratitude to traditional leaders, including “my boss and leader, H.R.M the Homun Bachama, H.R.M Dr. Daniel Shagah Ismaila, OON, Chairman Bachama traditional council.”
On national matters, he voiced cautious optimism about the direction of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
And called on Christians in Adamawa to pray for Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and support the search for a worthy successor.
“ACIPA believes the President of the Federal Republic H.E Bola Tinubu is on the right track towards security and development Nigeria. All he needs is greater political willpower and the courage to decimate terrorists and bandits.
“There is no better time for the Adamawa Christians to support the efforts of Rt. Hon. H.E Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the Executive Governor of Adamawa in praying for him to find a worthy successor who will compliment his successful tenure as the best democratically elected governor in the history of Adamawa state.
“Congratulations to Adamawa state for a new beginning as you arise and shine to the glory of God,” Rev’d. Shehu said.
Highlights of the day was award of excellence to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Engr. Marcus N. Gundiri, Rt. Hon. Barr. Kwamoti B. La’ori, Senator Binta Masi Garba, former Governor Boni Haruna, Rt. Hon. Wesley Bathiya amongst other sons and daughters of Adamawa state.
ACIPA is a Christian religious body in Nigeria that advocates for peace and promotes the interests of Christian leaders, particularly those from the Northern part of the country. It is known for speaking out on national issues, training community and youth leaders on peacebuilding, and clarifying its position on matters involving Northern Christians.
