Hausa community in Nnewi, Nnewi North local government area of Anambra State, has appointed and installed Alhaji Salihu Suleiman as the new Sarkin Hausawa Nnewi, and chairman, Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Anambra South senatorial district.
The ceremony took place last weekend at the popular Ama Hausa area of the industrial city, followed by other weeklong activities like visitation of important and key personalities and traditional rulers in the area.
The ceremony was graced by members of Hausa community in Anambra state, as well as the Obis of the four quarters in Nnewi, friends, well-wishers, among others.
Speaking at the ceremony, the new leader called on the government of Anambra State to give them the necessary recognition and protection they need to co-exist cordially with members of the host state.
Alhaji Suleiman also begged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to create seprate poling unit for the Hausa community in the area, so that they will enjoy political relevance and importance.
He said: “Eighty five percent of Northerners vote in Anambra State. But majority of our people are not registered in one area. We have majority of us living in Ama Hausa area of Nnewi – about three thousand of us – but there is no permanent unit for us here. So, we’re appealing to INEC to create separate and permanent unit for us in Ama Hausa, so that we’ll find it easier to exercise our voting rights.
“We also appeal to government to always remember promises they make to our people during elections. When election comes, they come with a lot of promises; but after the election, the promises will be in vain, and you will not see them anywhere. They should know that Hausa people are living here, and that we’re supporting them; so they should give us the recognition and cooperation we deserve.”
The new monarch, who revealed that his journey towards becoming leader of Hausa community started on June 12, 2024, when he was appointed as Sarkin Hausawa Nnewi, and chairman of Northerners in Anambra South, said that his role towards the Hausa community in the area is to be the middle man between his people, the government and people of Anambra State – and also to ensure that the people under his leadership are law-abiding, so that they cannot be having problems with the hosts.
He maintained that the most important need of the community is how to activate and promote mutual understanding and mutual co-existence between Hausa people and their host, while asking relevant authorities to work together to achieve the objective.
He also thanked Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State for tackling insecurity in the state, as well as his giant strides in developing the state.
