GONGOLA PEOPLE’S FORUM INAUGURATES COUNCIL OF ELDERS
By Fidelis Jockthan, Yola
The Gongola People’s Forum, a socio-cultural movement of ethic nationalities in Adamawa state has inaugurated a 34- member Council of Elders of Gongola region.
Markus Gundiri addressing the gathering
The Council of Elders, are eminent personalities that have distinguished themselves in their various fields of human endeavours.
They include; Former Governor Bala James Ngilari, General Bitrus Kwaji (Rtd), Hajiya Zainab Maina, Mrs Titi Malik, General Haldu Anthony Hananiya (Rtd), Col. Andrawus Sawa( Rtd), Mr Benson Atanga and Mr Caleb Tabwasah.
Others are Chief Joel Hammajoda Madaki, Mr Festus Donato, Mr Maliki Daniel, Musa Jekeko, Arc Lawrence Ngbale, Chief Medan Fwa,mni, Prof Istifanus Zabadi, Alhaji Kasheem Njidda, Mr Polycarp Kaigama Sopkonso, Engr Martins Babale, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Senator Amos K.Yohanna and Engr BD Lawal.
Also making the list are Engr Markus Gundiri, DIG Philemon Leha(Rtd), Senator Ishaku Abbo, Engr Yusuf Audu, Hon Justice Bemare Bansi (Rtd), General Lawrence Ngubane (Rtd), Former Governor Umaru Jibrilla Bindow, Chief David Barau, Senator Binos D.Yaroe and Chief Dan Leonard Nzadon.
Inaugurating the Elders in Yola, the Adamawa state Capital, the National Chairman of the forum, Engineer Markus Natina Gundiri said they were carefully selected by the joint Council of AUF,NILDA,GPF,NFF and 3KT Foundation and each Local Government Area in Adamawa state was equally represented on the Council by an eminent leader.
He charged them to propel the ideals of the late legends of the ethnic nationalities, considering the emancipation instituted by the present Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri led administration in the state.
“Today as we meet to inaugurate the Elders Council, we remember such legends as Mallam Yerima Balla, Jonah Asadugu, Philip Maken, Gayus Gilama, Abubakar Barde, Ambassador Wilberforce Bafte Juta, Dr Bala Takaya, Senator Paul Wampana among others who must be smiling at us today as they see the breakthrough we have made in our age-old struggle for self-determination”.
Responding, the National leader, General Halidu Anthony Hananiya Rtd, who was represented by Baba Dora Suleiman said he was delighted by the activities of the Socio-cultural organization, adding that their inauguration was apt and a call to duty.
He solicited support for the Council of Elders in their bid to liberate the ethnic nationalities.
He praised Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s creation of Chiefdoms and Emirates and called for their total protection.
“Today, we rejoice that our Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has given us new Chiefdoms and Emirates. We sincerely appreciate this action borne out of courage and determination never seen before to reparate our people who have been suppressed and exploited for far too long, the struggle is not over yet”.
The event which was well attended by some notable leaders of ethic nationalities provided a platform for political aspirants to declare their intentions to contest for various positions in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
The inauguration was climaxed with a charge by Secretary General GPF, Barrister Leonard Nzadon to produce credible and dependable Aspirants for the 2027 general elections.
The seasoned lawyer advocates collective interest for formidable movement in uniting the heterogeneous people of the state.
