Atiku to emerge new Wazirin Adamawa, son takes over as Turaki

        

There are indications that a former vice president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, will be named the new Waziri of Adamawa by the Adamawa Emirate Council barring any last minute changes.

Mr. Abubakar’s choice for the exalted traditional position was considered by the council at its meeting on Thursday.

The former vice president, who currently holds the title ‘Turakin Adamawa’ will succeed Abba Mohammed, who died recently.

The council members have also pencilled Mr. Abubakar’s son, Aliyu, as the next Turakin in succession to his father.

Waziri is one of the most important titles in the Adamawa Emirate.

Before his elevation to Waziri, Mr. Abba, who was once of the oldest councillor in the emirate, was Walin Adamawa. The Walin title was later conferred on the current OPEC Secretary General, Muhammad Barkindo.

Although the emirate is yet to release an official statement announcing Mr. Abubakar’s new appointment, a source in the emirate told PREMIUM TIMES that the decision was taken at a meeting held by the members of the emirate council on Thursday.

“Atiku’s emergence as new Waziri was sequel to the meeting held by council members on Thursday,” the source said.

“His son, Aliyu, who is also son of Hajja, the younger sister of the present Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha was also confirmed as the new Turaki, taking over from his father Atiku Abubakar.’’

“Messrs. Atiku and Barkindo were believed to be among the four contenders for the Waziri position after Mr. Mohammad died.

Meanwhile, some residents of Yola, the state capital, have expressed shock over the elevation of Mr. Atiku, who was Nigeria’s vice president between 1999 and 2007.

“It was gathered that one of the sons of the late Waziri, including Alkasim Abba, the Vice Chancellor of the Adamawa State University (ADSU) would be considered to replace their father.

“Though we wish them good luck it surprises us because everybody knows that Waziri is only considered by birth, to those who hail from progeny of Waziris,’’ a resident, Mallum Baba, said.

When contacted, Mr. Abubakar’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, said he was also aware of the decisions of the Adamawa Emirate Council on his principal and his son.