Ngizim people

The Ngizim people (Ngizmawa, Ngezzim) live in Yobe State, northeastern Nigeria. As of 1993, there were an estimated 80,000 Ngizim.[1] The Ngizim live in the area to the east and south of Potiskum, the largest city in Yobe State, as well as in Potiskum, which was originally an Ngizim town.[2] Ngizim populations once inhabited parts of Borno and Jigawa states, but have since lost their cultural identity after being assimilated into other ethnic groups.[3] The Ngizim speak a Chadic language also called Ngizim.

History

Before the Fulani Jihad of 1804, the history of the Ngizim people was closely linked with that of the Bornu Empire. By 1472, when the capital of the Bornu Empire, Birni Ngazargamu, was established, the Ngizim had gained a reputation as formidable warriors.[4] As they consolidated their influence over parts of modern-day Yobe State, their cultural capital Potiskum became a regional center. During the early part of the 20th century, the Ngizim rebelled against the Fika Emirate, which had been given political control over them by the colonial authorities. The local British district officer lead forces against the Ngizim; Mai Agudum, the rebel leader, was later executed. The Ngizim emirate was not restored until 1993 when Mai Muhammadu Atiyaye was appointed by the state governor. The current Ngizim leader, Mai Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya was recently upgraded to the status of a first-class Emir by former Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim.[5]

In his notes on the "History of the first twelve years of the reign of Mai Idris Alooma (1571 – 1583) by Imam Ahmad Ibn Furtua" H.R Palmer informs us about the word Ngizim. "There are various forms of this name which though they are distinguished seem to denote the same people — N'gizim, N'gujam, N'gazar, N'Kazzar, N'gissam". In another part of the notes he tells us that Birni N'gazargamu was founded by Mai Ali Ghaji Dunamani in about 1462, who acquired the site from the "So" who lived in the region. "The name of the capital is correctly spelled N'gazargamu or N'gasarkumu. The first part of the word signifies that the previous inhabitants of the region where N'gazar or N'gizim. The later part of the word "Gamu" or "Kumu" is the same as the first part of the word "Gwombe" and means either (i) chief or King or (ii) ancestral spirit." Going by the scattered references to the N'gizim one would at best only guess the extent of their spread in the Western Sudan. There is reference to N'gizim and then the tribe of N'gizim in the west of the empire known as the Binawa. Binawa is also known as Mabani who extended from Bursari region west of Birni Gazargamu to Katagum.

Early Kanem-Bornu History

There are various references to Ngizim people in Kanem-Bornu history as early as the days of the Kanem civil wars. It can be said that the Ngizim people have played a considerable role in moving the capital of the empire from Njimi to N'gazargamu. Quoting H.R Palmer

" ... other clans of the Kayi (Zaghawa) came down to the region of lake Fittri from Wadai, but evidently that took place after 1259 A.D. It is the fusion of these new clans of Kayi with the inhabitants of the Fittri region (called in the tradition Ngizim) which gave rise to a separate political entity which arose in the Fittri region about 1350 A.D and was called Bulala".[6]

From another source, we find a reference to the Ngizim being one of the earliest groups to migrate from Kanem.

"According to Bornu traditions, the Bade and the related Ngizim of Potiskum - who today comprise of [sic] the emirate of Bedde - were the first people to migrate from Kanem round the north side of Lake Chad and reach the Komadugu Yobe, at the time when the So were still the dominant power in Bornu".[7]

Language

Main article: Ngizim language

Ngizim is one of five Chadic languages indigenous to Yobe State, the others being Bade, Bole, Karekare, and Ngamo. Ngizim is a member of the West Branch of Chadic and is hence related to Hausa, the dominant language throughout northern Nigeria. Ngizim's closest linguistic relatives are Bade, spoken north of Potiskum in Bade (Bedde) Emirate, and Duwai, spoken east of Gashua. Unlike some of the other languages in Yobe State, Ngizim has very little dialect variation.[8]

Traditional leaders

The traditional ruler of the Ngizim people is the Mai Potiskum, whose stool is located in Potiskum. Like most traditional rulers in northern Nigeria, Mai Potiskum is also the foremost Islamic leader among his people. PRE-COLONIAL MAIS/KACHALLAS OF PATASKUM EMIRATE 1. KACHALLA BAUYA I: The migration of ngizim groups from Ngazargamu to potiskum (pataskum) continued. One of the groups led by Bauya left Mugni-kariyari and his arrival coincided with an attack on keisala by Mai Taida of Dawura. The sense of leadership displayed by Bauya’s group in repulsing Dawura’s attack and which permanently ended the menance of Dawura compelled the inhabitants of keisala to request Awany/Awami and his group to stay. Bauya obliged and later founded his own settlement and named it Pataskum. The highest level of authority represented in Dugun Au’s was voluntary surrendered of power to Bauya and what follows was the establishments of his authority, and those of his successors over the ngizim and karai-karai in the settlement and surroundings areas, this was achieved through the provision of security and protection. 2. KACHALLA AWA’NY: He succeeded his father Bauya. The legend of N’doku Awany had a mare which always refused to drink water given to it. One day, a hunter (Abri Zangai) incidentally discovered that the mare drank water from a well (Duwa-duka), which bubbled over with water. Awanyi offered sacrifice since it was his mare that discovered the old well this is significant in the transfer of power from kaisala to new walled settlement which becomes modern Potiskum. 3. KACHALLA KUDUSKUNAI: He succeeded Awanyi and that made the 3rd Mai of Pataskum, and Dangari later succeeded him. 4. KACHALLA DANGARI: After discovery of the well, it was during the time of Dangari that considerable labour was mobilized for the construction of the rampart new town in compassing the well. In a war near thikau/Tikau in 1824 A.D Hamma Wabi a Fulani of Dilara origin was killed by the 4th ruler of potiskum, Dangari. This important feat contributed in saving the western frontiers of Borno from the activities of the jihadist. It also added to the power and influence of Pataskum. However Dangari died before his movement into the new walled town. 5. KACHALLA DAWI: Dangari was succeeded by his brother Dawi. He inherited a new walled town which provided for him a new secured base to further consolidated his authority. Transfer from the old settlements yarimaran to the new walled town which became modern Pataskum. 6. KACHALLA DARAMA: also known as kunancibai 7. KACHALLA MELE: He paid farmers compensation on Pataskum alagarno route. 8. KACHALLA MALAM BUNDI: he succeeded Mele. 9. KACHALLA MIZGAI (1835-1856): He is credited with the introduction of the borunuan title of kachalla. In the 19th century the holders of this title in Borno become powerful leader of armed regiments their own followers. Mizgai is said to have received the title of kachalla and a staff of office from shehu Umar of Borno. It is also probable that a payment known as Tubu made by Pataskum to Borno started during his reign. This payment was made annually to placate Borno not to go to war with Pataskum. 10. KACHALLA JAJI (1856-1858): During his reign, borunuan troops under Abba Tayib came to Pataskum but found the place deserted. They pursued the runaway to Gwoya where a fierce battle was fought. It resulted in the death of Jaji, the defeat of Abba Tayib, and the capture of much bornuan troops. 11. MAI NEJO (1858-1866): He succeeded Jaji I. he is to have reverted to the use of the title Mai. 12. MAI NAMIYANDA (1866-1893): It is probably that Abba Bukar’s expedition to Pataskum took place during his reign. Abba Bukar who emerged as boron’s new military leader in the 1860s was given pataskum and the western border as fief. It was during the reign of Namiyanda that Abba Bukar stayed in pataskum for three months and extended the walls of modern pataskum; Namiyanda visited Rabih at Alagarno and presented gifts. This timely and decisive action by him ensured that pataskum and other places in western Borno was left practically unaffected by Rabih’s invasion, which cause havoc in some states to the east of Pataskum. 13. MAI GABAU (1893-1902): He ascended the throne as Mai. During his reign, the British patrol arrived Pataskum late in 1902 A.D in view of the fact he was aged and had stopped attending state function due to poor health, he delegated Bundi to go and meet the British patrol team outside the eastern gate of Pataskum. By the time when the British patrol team arrived Pataskum late in 1902 A.D a total of thirteen rulers who were direct descendent of Bauya had ruled Pataskum chiefdom. Their activities raised Pataskum to a position of province and it becomes the acknowledgement leader in war. They cultivated good relations with the surrounding settlements through a system of trust and through inter-marriage, and the establishment of personal friendship with these ruling families of the surrounding settlements and polities. The Mai was not alone in the execution of his duties. He was assisted by other titled officials collectively referred to as kachalla within Pataskum. Their duty was the defense of Pataskum from external attacks and the organisation of raids. Furthermore, the rotation of the Maiship between the house of Kuduskunai and the house of Bundiri worked satisfactory and prevented disputes and wrangling among the members of the Royal family of Pataskum at least to the end of pre-colonial period. BRITISH COLONIALIST AND PATASKUM CHIEFDOM Late in 1902 A.D a British patrol team from Gujba visited Pataskum. They met with Bundi who represented Mai Gabau outside, the eastern gate of Pataskum. In view of the fact that Mai Gabau was old and sick they confirmed Bundi as the overlord of Ngizim and karai-karai district, the boundaries extended and covered the territory of the western karai-karai and all the Ngizim to the east of Pataskum. They also collected from Bundi the staff of office which the kachalla/Mais had earlier receive from Borno and recommended him for appointment as 2nd class chief. 14. MAI BUNDI II (1902-1909): He succeeded Gabau as the ruler of independence pataskum district, with jurisdiction over pataskum, its eastern part which contain mostly Ngizim as well as the karai-karai settlement to the west of Pataskum. He was presented with a 2nd class staff of office in 1907. However owing to the frequent changes of policy as from September, 1909 aimed at establishing some sort of administration and control over diverse people through loyal chiefs, the residence of Borno requested for division of Pataskum into two part; western half of Pataskum which contain the karai-karai was placed within the jurisdiction of Fika, and the eastern half to Ngizim with Pataskum town itself to be handed over to Agudun, a relative of Bundi. Consequently, the proposals were approved and Bundi was deposed. The western half of Pataskum which contain karai-karai, jalam inclusive was placed within the jurisdiction of Fika. Lawan Sulaiman, the son of Mai Idirissa of Fika was appointed the sub-district head, with his headquarter at Dazigau. 15. MAI AGUDUN (1909-1913): He succeeded Mai Bundi II but he was also not spared in May 1913 the resident Borno W.P Newby sent a telegram to zungeru requesting to carry out further progressive administrative measure. He requested for sanction to depose chief of Pataskum (Agudun) and to place the remaining half of his chiefdom also under Fika. The request was approved and mai Agudun was removed from office on 13th may, 1913 on the flimsy ground that “he had proved himself impossible as a ruler” Agudun went to zungeru and complained to the lieutenant governor but to no avail. On 8th February 1915, he launched a two pronged attack on Pataskum, while he led some of his followers from the east, Alhaji of Degubi jajiwa of chana and chadi attacked from the west. They drove away Lawan Sulaiman who has moved into potiskum from Dazigau. On 27th February, 1915, the district officer in charge of Gujba division Mr. Carlyle leading a team of police escort arrived pataskum from Nafada. A fierce battle was fought and Agudun fell to the superior power of the British, Agudun was later arrested by the Darazau native authority and sent to Maiduguri where he was ‘tried’ in a provisional court and convicted of murder on 11th June, 1915.

16. MAI JAJI 11 (1913-1919): he succeeded Mai Agudum. 17. MAI VUNGM (1919-1924): he succeeded Mai Jaji II. 18. MAI GANKIYAU (1924-1927): he succeeded Mai Vungum. 19. MAI BUNDI III (1927-1933): he succeeded Mai gankiyau. 20. MAI JAJI II (1933): he was re-instated but ruled for only three months. 21. MAI BAUYA II (1933-1957): He succeeded Mai Jaji II, and voluntarily resigned to be the president of the newly established customary court. 22. MAI HASSAN (1957-1984): He succeeded Mai Bauya II. Due to intrigue by Fika rulers, the position change from a situation where the Mai of Pataskum sat side by side in council with the emir of Fika to one where Mai Pataskum was reduced to a mere village head, around 1957 as Nigeria moved towards independence, Mai Hassan travelled to Jos where he raise the issue of the future of Pataskum chiefdom since the colonialist who were responsible for its merger with Fika were leaving. 23. MAI SHUAIBU (1984-1993): he succeeded Mai Hassan. 24. MAI MUHAMMAD ATIYAYE (1993): In 1993, the government of Yobe state under the administration of Alhaji Bukar Abba Ibrahim restored the Emirate to its full status. Alhaji Muhammadu Atiyaye was appointed the Mai of Pataskum and ruled for only fifty three (53) days before he died. 25. MAI UMARU BUBARAM (1993-1995): A grandson of Mai Bundi the ruler of Pataskum, he was appointed Mai pataskum after the death of Muhammad Atiyaye. However, his emirate was dissolved by the then military administrator of Yobe state Dabo Aliyu. 26. MAI UMARU BUBARAM IBN WURIWA BAUYA I OON (2000-Date He was re-instated on the second coming of Bukar Abba Ibrahim on 6th January 2000, and this was sequel to the restoration of pataskum emirate.


AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF REINSTATED AND REAFFIRMED MAIS OF PATASKUM (1993-DATE Alhaji Muhammad Atiyaye (53 Days):

The 24th Mai Pataskum was born in 1934 at jigawa (Zigawu) of Potiskum local government area of Yobe state, Mai Muhammad Atiyaye had his early education from 1943 to 1950 at central primary school sabon gari, after that he proceeded to teachers’ training school Bauchi, where he obtained grade 111 and grade 11 teachers certificate in 1955 and 1957 respectively. He served as a teacher in various primary schools in Fika, Nangere and Potiskum, where he rose to the position of headmaster under Fika native authority from 1st January 1962 to 5th may 1974. He was appointed as a portfolio councilor in the Fika native authority in charge of works department on 5th may, 1974 to 30th September, 1976. However, he was appointed as a member, Fika emirate council in 1976 where he serve for some months, in 1977 he was appointed the district head of Potiskum, the position he held for good consecutive 7 years. During the reign the then Borno state governor Muhammadu Goni, he was appointed as an active member Borno state scholarships board representing Potiskum, and in 1983 after the change of government; Governor Ashelk Jarma wrongfully terminated his appointment as district head of Potiskum, because of his devotion to his people. And fortunately for him, his people knew the reason for his dismissal and they relied around him. The courageous Mai Atiyaye challenged his dismissal in the court of justice in Potiskum up to the court of appeal Jos where he emerges victorious, because the court found him not guilty and the then incumbent government did not reinstate him, but change it from dismissal to compulsory retirement and they paid him all his entitlement, which he used the money for prayers in seeking for the restoration of Pataskum emirate council and he eventually succeeded. After the creation of Yobe state in 1991 he engage in active politics, he contested and won the position of party chairman (SDP) Nangere local government. He was also appointed member Yobe state political advisory council and chairman board governing council College of Education Gashua, from 1992-1993. He was appointed as the MAI OF PATASKUM on 26th August, 1993 and died on 17 October, 1993 and left behind 3 wives and 25 children. May his soul rest perfect peace, AMIN


Alhaji Umar Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya I OON:

His royal highness, Alhaji Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya I OON, CCA, FICEN, CP (RTD) was born in 1942 in Bubaram Mai Jaji Alias Jumma’a son of Maina Wuriwa (Suleiman) son to Mai Bundi I the crown prince who was installed Mai of pataskum alias kare-kare district in 1902 and the 14th Mai in the chronological line of rulers of Potiskum. The reigning king is the 25th and 26th ruler of Potiskum. Like most traditional rulers in northern Nigeria, Mai- Pataskum is also the foremost Islamic leader among his people He started his early education in Dambua primary school Potiskum from 1951-1952. But he then had a break of 2 years, and in 1955 he returned to same school for the continuation of his primary education up to 1956. From Dambua primary school, due to his performance, he was transferred to central primary school Potiskum as a boarding pupil, where he met other pupils who were similarly transferred from other primary schools in Potiskum district of Fika division. From 1958 at certain stage of future development, Mai had changed his second name from (Umaru) Maina Wuriwa to (Umaru) Bubaram for fear of victimization. As ardent as he continued, with all hope and determination again, from his boarding primary school; in 1958 His Royal Highness Alhaji Umaru Bubaram gained admission into the then government craft school Maiduguri from 1959-1961 where he completed his semi-post primary education, there he obtained his semi-primary school living certificate. In building being not the end of the road with full ambition to learn, Mai Umaru Bubaram proceeded to the then Borno teachers college Maiduguri, 1962-1966. To be trained as teacher there he successfully completed his teacher training course in December, 1966 and obtained his teacher’s grade II certificate. After obtaining his teacher’s grade II certificate Alhaji Umaru Bubaram taught for one and half years as class teacher and ass/acting headmaster in kukuri primary school. While serving as class teacher and asst/headmaster Alhaji Umaru Bubaram was promoted and transferred to Bula primary school to head the school as headmaster, due to his impressive performance at both Kukuri and Bula primary schools. After serving for only 9th month at Bula primary school he was transferred to Kara primary school Potiskum to head the school. During his career as class teacher, acting headmaster and headmaster he created and left impressive and indelible records as an exemplary teacher of his time. As the journey went on during the course of his career as the civil servant, the dynamic Mai Bubaram in 1970 was appointed Fika native authority councilor in-charge of works, land and survey, information and community development a post which he held up to 1971.In 1972, Mai Umaru Bubaram in furthering and broadening the base of his career transferred his services to the federal ministry of internal affairs, prison department, with his assumption of duties, he went in for a six (6) month orientation course at kiri-kiri prison training school, Apapa Lagos as well as weeks citizenship & leadership course at sea school Lagos on completion he was appointed assistant superintended of prisons, and posted to Warri prison in the former Bendel state for practical field attachment. During his department prison career he served as assistant/deputy superintendent of prison in-charge of Lafia prison, 1973-1979 superintendent of prison in-charge of Shendam/Wase prison in 1980-1981. Superintendent of prisons in-charge administration, prison headquarters Maiduguri Borno state command, 1982-1983. Still in search for more knowledge mai Umaru Bubaram in 1983 went to the University of Maiduguri to study advanced diploma in public administration, and successfully completed the course and awarded the certificate. On completion of his course of study, he was promoted to chief superintended of prisons and posted to Bama/Gwoza prisons as the officer in-charge, 1984-1985. Then in 1986 he was transferred to Kaduna prison training school as commandant, after six months at Kaduna he was posted again to take charge of Maiduguri maximum security prison from 1986-1990. To enhance his professional knowledge he proceeded to prison staff college Kaduna for a 9 month staff course as well as one month seminar at the command and staff college Jaji, where he was decorated with CCA (certificate for correctional administration) and promoted to assistant comptroller prison. He was again posted to sokoto central prison as in-charge from 1991-1992. Then in 1993, he was promoted controller of prisons a post which he held until his appointment as 3rd class mai pataskum on 18th November, 1993 but later due to intrigues, machination and sabotage from opposing force, the emirate was dissolved on the 11th January, 1995. He was re-installed as second class mai pataskum on second coming of his Excellency Alhaji (DR) Bukar abba Ibrahim FINQS, FNIAE the executive governor of Yobe state; this was sequel to the restoration of pataskum emirate. The most respected Mai performed other ad-hoc duties among which include: house prefect and secretary of Fika divisional student union in Borno teachers college Maiduguri, chairman northern Nigeria union of teachers potiskum branch, member Fika native authority education committee, vice chairman on review penal committee on dismissed district and village heads Bama local government, chairman war against indiscipline Bama local government chapter, chairman organizing committee on visits of head of state to Bama local government, member security committee in Lafia, Shendam, Wase and Bama local government, member judicial committee for administration of justice Borno and sokoto states, member prerogative of mercy committee Borno and sokoto state, carried out relieve duties at Makurdi prison, Keffi prison, Panshin prison headquarters Maiduguri when the incumbent controller was hospitalized for eye injury sustained during Bama prison riot. Mai Umar like any other person has his hobbies, some of them are; football which he played among the schools and colleges he attended, boxing; where he was highly rated among top boxers in craft school, athletics; he represented both craft school and college on inter-school and colleges athletic competitions, hunting and visiting. He is happily married and blessed with children. The royal highness was awarded a national honour of officer of the order of the Niger (OON) by the former president and commander in-chief of the arm forces federal republic of Nigeria. His Excellency chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR in 2004. The international award in Africa awarded his royal highness its outstanding leadership gold award for year the year 2008. The institute of corporate executive of Nigeria conferred on his royal highness the achiever par excellence in exemplary and accountable leadership, on 11th June 2009.

Potiskum Town

Concerning their more recent history, during the period of the Fulani Jihad specifically in 1808 "A group of N'gizim under the leadership of Bauya left Mugni as a result of attack on Birni N'gazargamu by the Fulani Jihadist. They took a south course to the Kaisala area. On arrival Bauya and his group helped the inhabitants of Kaisala repulse an attack on them by the N'gazar (branch of Ngizim) of Daura (Dawura). After a counter attack on Daura and its conquest, Bauya founded his own section of settlement and called it "Pataskum" which was corrupted by Europeans to "Potiskum".[9] The word "Pataskum" is an Ngizim phrase meaning forest of "Skum" trees. "Pata" meaning forest in the Ngizim language and "Skum" is a type of tree found abundantly in the area at the time of founding Potiskum town.

Prominent Ngizims

Links of Interest

[10]Reference: [11] [12] also available at www.scribd.com

References

  1. ↑ Ethnologue Report: Ngizim
  2. ↑ Yobe Language Research Project
  3. ↑ "A Sudanic Chronicle: The Borno expeditions of Idris Alauma (1564-1576)" Page 122 and 155
  4. ↑ H. R. Palmer "Sudanese Memoirs" Page 32
  5. ↑ "Yobe Ngizims and their values", Nigeria Tribune, 20 July 2007.
  6. ↑ H. R. Palmer "History of the first twelve years of the reign of Mai Idris Alooma of Bornu (1571-1583), by his Imam Ahmed Bin Furtua" Page 4
  7. ↑ S. J. Hoghen and A. H. M. Kirk-Greene "Emirates of Northern Nigeria" Page 363
  8. ↑ Yobe Language Research Project
  9. ↑ Pataskum Emirate Palace Museum
  10. ↑ Abubakar M,D(2013): Ngizim people and their culture, unpublished material at pataskum emirate mesuem, Potiskum Yobe State
  11. ↑ Pataskum Emirate mesuem Curator; Ahmad Garba babayo 2014.
  12. ↑ Danchuwa A.M (2013): Ngizim people, unpublished document in pataskum emirate mesuem