The Gongola People’s Forum (GPF), a socio-cultural organization, has united prominent leaders from Adamawa State, transcending political divides, to advocate for the interests of the state’s diverse ethnic groups. This initiative signifies a remarkable convergence of political figures, including Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, former Senator Ishaku Abbo (a vocal critic of Fintiri’s administration), and former Governor Jibrilla Bindow of the All Progressives Congress (APC), all inaugurated as members of the GPF Elders’ Council. The formation of this council aims to harness the collective wisdom and influence of these leaders to chart a course for the advancement and empowerment of the Gongola region’s indigenous communities.
The inauguration of the 33-member Elders’ Council, led by Engr. Markus Natina Gundiri, the national chairman of the GPF, marks a significant step towards realizing the organization’s vision. Gundiri emphasized the historical context of the GPF’s formation, highlighting the decades-long struggle for self-determination and autonomy by the indigenous peoples of the Gongola region. He lauded the recent establishment of chiefdoms and emirates, attributed to Governor Fintiri’s leadership, as a milestone achievement in this ongoing pursuit of recognition and self-governance. This development, according to Gundiri, solidifies the distinct identity and cultural heritage of the Gongola people.
The planned grand reception in 2024 is intended to serve as a public declaration of the Gongola region’s enduring presence and cultural resilience. It signifies the culmination of efforts to reclaim their historical narrative and counter past distortions of their culture and identity. This event is envisioned as a platform to showcase the rich heritage and contributions of the Gongola people to the broader Nigerian tapestry. The GPF’s emphasis on cultural preservation and historical accuracy underscores its commitment to fostering a sense of pride and belonging among the region’s diverse communities.
General Haldu Anthony Hananiya, former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and chairman of the newly inaugurated Elders’ Council, commended the GPF’s executive members for their judicious selection of influential figures to spearhead the region’s development. He acknowledged the formidable presence of Gongola elders within the state and national political landscape, emphasizing the legacy of their predecessors who laid the groundwork for the current achievements. Hananiya stressed the importance of unity and collaboration, transcending individual differences, to reclaim their collective identity and restore their dignity as a people with a rich and distinct civilization.
Hananiya’s extensive diplomatic experience, including his roles as Defence Adviser to the Nigerian High Commission in London and Ambassador to Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Organisation of African Unity, lends significant weight to the Elders’ Council. His call for unity resonates with the GPF’s broader objective of forging a common platform for the advancement of the Gongola region. He expressed confidence in the collective strength of the Gongola people, drawing parallels with their contemporaries in the Middle Belt and South-South regions, who have played pivotal roles in shaping modern Nigeria.
Gundiri reiterated the GPF’s apolitical stance, emphasizing that the organization is not affiliated with any political party. This declaration underscores the GPF’s commitment to fostering unity and collaboration across political divides, prioritizing the collective interests of the Gongola region over partisan agendas. By bringing together leaders from different political backgrounds, the GPF aims to create a space for dialogue and consensus-building, fostering an environment conducive to sustainable development and progress for the benefit of all the region’s inhabitants. The focus on inclusive representation and non-partisan collaboration distinguishes the GPF as a unique force for positive change in the region’s socio-political landscape.
