The Arewa Youth in Enugu State has faulted the Emir of the Enugu Hausa Emirate Council, Yusuf Sambo II, for accepting the appointment as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Enugu State Governor.

In a statement by the group leader, Hamza Buba Ganye, the group described the Emir’s decision, announced on May 2, as a setback for the Northern community in Enugu.

He said: “His appointment undermines the traditional authority and independence of the Emirate Council. It sends a wrong signal to the community and compromises the Emir’s ability to effectively represent the interests of his people.”

Ganye expressed disappointment that the Emir would accept a political role that, in his view, could erode the dignity and autonomy of the traditional institution.

He added, “We expected more from our leaders. The controversy surrounding the Emir’s appointment has sparked heated debates among community stakeholders, with many calling for a reevaluation of the decision.

“As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear, the implications of this appointment will be far-reaching.”

Ganye called on the Northern Elders Forum, the Coalition of Northern Groups, and the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum to intervene, describing the development as a deliberate attempt to control the Hausa community in Enugu and politically destabilise it.