Leadership vacuum in Zaarland needs to be filled

Madalla Kadiri

Looking at the above caption, one may think this write-up is aimed at diminishing the leadership capacity of the current crop of elite in Zaarland many of whom have carved a niche for themselves in various fields of calling. This is a contrary notion, actually. This piece is only an appeal to  Zaar sons and daughters, especially those who drop water in the nation, to fill the shoes of their predecessors.

Gone are the good old days when everyone listens to elders and obeys their commandments because they were selfless and never partisan. 

Sadly, Zaarland is now weak, divided and vulnerable. Disagreement surpasses agreement, political rivalries persist, rural/urban contempt continues, internal conflict multiplies, and youths continue to lose confidence in elders, all thanks to lack of good leadership.

Every community has a leader or group of people who give direction or serve as arbiters when there is a dispute among them. Such leaders are non-partisan, spotless, highly revered and upright. Zaarland has been blessed with such kinds of people.

The late Baba Gonto, Late Baba Kyauta, late Dr. Buƙata , Late Rev. Elejah Bawa, Late Samu Bitkon, Late  Barr. J.K Manzo among others, have provided leadership during their life and time. The demise of these larger-than-life personages has created a huge vacuum. Their exemplary leadership and relentless efforts in uniting the Zaarland shall not therefore be allowed to go in vain.

As we mourn the departure of these remarkable fathers of the land, God in his infinite mercy raised amongst us another set of notable personalities who are equally endowed with leadership quality. 

This is the right time to begin the discussion and search for a leader among the elders who have excelled in various human endeavours as diverse as diplomacy, military, academia, administration, business and politics.

The fact is we (Zaar) are currently experiencing leadership transition, realignment and tortuous learning curve occasioned by the demise of our indefatigably formidable leaders mentioned earlier. 

Among the plethora of our people in the government, academia, politics, and the business circles, we need some with powerful will, who first see the improvement in the quality of our people above personal consideration and aggrandizement.

Until we find some who fit this description, Zaarland would continue to wallow in confusion and remain vulnerable and divided. 

Our earnest prayers, is for the present set of leaders to seamlessly occupy and steer our affairs selflessly. May God, the God of majesty and splendour, continue to guide us aright.

✍🏾 Madalla Kadiri, Zaar Activist,  Contributor to Peoples of Nigeria Book Project on History, Culture and Tradition of Minority Tribes of the Middle belt.