One of the greatest symbols of indignation for the Hausa people in Hausaland is the Fulani emirates in Kano, Katsina, and Zazzau. When a throne becomes vacant, the Hausa people can only watch from the sidelines. They are not among the kingmakers, they have no voice in the selection process, and no stake in deciding who governs them traditionally. They merely await the outcome, and when a new emir is appointed, they come out to celebrate as spectators in their own homeland. The Hausa person is denied the possibility of becoming an emir, and worse still, is excluded from the process that determines who ascends the throne. This arrangement denies dignity, equality, and inclusion. It is an injustice that must be addressed if we are to move forward as a people rooted in fairness and mutual respect.
In the pursuit of the lofty goal of peaceful coexistence between the Hausa and Fulani, it is evident that the Hausa are at a great disadvantage. While the Fulani are deeply conscious of their identity, proud of their heritage, organised and exhibit strong group solidarity, the Hausa have historically lost such organisation and collective consciousness. Rekindling this consciousness among the Hausa is, therefore, a task that must be undertaken!
If the Hausa are to attain justice, they must first attain strength. To be strong, they must unite; and to unite, they must embrace the discipline of organization. But no meaningful organization can emerge without a deep consciousness of identity, history, heritage, self-pride, and dignity. The first step, therefore, is awareness.
Sometimes I wonder why some people view the noble goal of reawakening positive consciousness and awareness among the Hausa as an attempt to create disunity between the Hausa and the Fulani. Perhaps, without realizing it, they are suggesting that peaceful coexistence with the Fulani is only possible if the Hausa remain unconscious, disorganised, rudderless, and without a clear sense of purpose.
I firmly believe that this reawakening in Hausa identity consciousness is essential for the Hausa to organise and be beneficial to themselves, contribute meaningfully to Nigeria, and engage as equal partners in any arrangement of coexistence between the Hausa and Fulani or any other Nigerian tribe.
The non-conscious Hausa of today, must be replaced by the conscious Hausa of tomorrow who should stand erect conscious of his identity, heritage, pride and rights and fully determined to display and preserve them at all costs.
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