Sarkin Malamai of Gombe Pledges To Promote Inter-religious Harmony

BY NAJIB SANI, GOMBE

The new ‘Sarkin Malamai’ of Gombe emirate, Honourable Ahmad Abubakar Walama, a traditional title of a leader of Islamic scholars has pledged to promote interfaith harmony among adherents of different religions residing in the kingdom.

He made the pledge on Saturday at an official ceremony celebrating the conferment of the title on him held at their family house at Tudun Wada with the attendance of the representative of the emir of Gombe Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, traditional title holders and Islamic clerics.

Walama, a one time chairman of Dukku local government and commissioner of local government affairs explained that the role of his title is to represent Islamic scholars in the kingdom.

He therefore said that he would use the position to promote unity, peace and harmony among all religious faithfuls resident within the Gombe emirate.

“I am grateful to the emir of Gombe Dr Abubakar Shehu Abubakar for choosing me out of the many members of this royal home. I have brothers and many family members, but I am lucky to be appointed to hold the title. I will be serving as a mediator between the emirate and clerics.

“I will use the position to foster unity among the clerics and also promote harmony and peace among all religious faithfuls including the Muslims and Christians . We have to live in peace so our society will develop. This will be my priority as I take this position in the emirate”. He promised.

Earlier, the emir of Gombe Dr Abubakar Shehu Abubakar represented by one of the palace aides, the ‘Shamaki of Gombe’ Alhaji Usman Mohammad explained that the title was conferred on the ex commissioner base on merit.

He therefore urged him to respect the norms, culture and values of the traditional institution as he holds the title and also charged Islamic scholars he will be leading to support him.