The Arewa Youth group in Enugu State has criticized the Emir of the Enugu Hausa Emirate Council, Alhaji Yusuf Sambo II, for accepting a political role as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Enugu State Governor, describing the move as a blow to the autonomy of the Northern community in the state.
In a statement issued by the group’s leader, Hamza Buba Ganye, the youth expressed dismay over the May 2 appointment, arguing that it undermines the traditional independence of the Emirate Council. “The Emir’s acceptance of a political office compromises his ability to objectively represent the interests of the Hausa community in Enugu,” Ganye stated, adding that the decision “erodes the dignity of the traditional institution.”
The group warned that the development risks politicizing the Emirate Council’s leadership and could destabilize the Northern community’s cohesion. “We expected our leaders to uphold the sanctity of our traditions, not align with political interests that may divide us,” Ganye remarked. He further accused unnamed actors of exploiting the appointment to “control and weaken” the Hausa community’s influence in Enugu.
The controversy has sparked debates among stakeholders, with calls for a reversal of the decision. Ganye urged intervention from the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), and Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) to address what he termed a “deliberate attempt to undermine the community’s unity.”
The Emir’s office has yet to respond to the criticism.
