Tangle Malele!
The Tangale nation stands at a defining moment—a moment that calls for unity, courage, and an unshakable commitment to who we are. As a minority tribe and a proud part of Nigeria’s Middle Belt, we have always embodied resilience, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. For centuries, the Tangale people have faced challenges, yet we have endured, thrived, and preserved our identity. Today is no different—our spirit remains unbroken.
It is important to remember that Tangale identity has never depended on government approval. Between 1680 and 1700, and again from 1996 to 2001, our people lived, thrived, and preserved their heritage without a traditional ruler. Today’s four-year of not having a Mai Tangle is nothing new to us. Our strength comes from our culture, our unity, and our unshakable belief in who we are.
Few days ago, we were informed that the Court of Appeal in Maiduguri issued a judgment on the case of Mai Tangle, favoring Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s position on the matter. This ruling is an attempt to override our customs, silence our collective voice, and rewrite the Tangale history. But let the truth be clear: the Tangale people do not and will not recognize any impostor. His presence in Poshiya is unwanted, unaccepted, and illegitimate. For the avoidance of doubt, the judgment will be appealed to the Supreme Court, and justice will be pursued through all legal channels.
It is a known fact that our kingmakers in 2021, following Tangale customs, selected Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba as our Paramount Traditional Ruler. A distinguished medical doctor, disciplined, and respected, Dr. Maiyamba was chosen on merit and community consensus. He is the Mai Tangle-Elect, and no forced judgment, political pressure or government-backed tactic can erase this truth.
Governor Inuwa’s refusal to appoint Dr. Maiyamba reflects bias against both his Christian faith and rightful leadership. The process followed by the Governor, through the sudden change of the Chieftaincy Law in the midst of the selection process, and the imposition of an outsider violate our customary succession process and infringe on rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), including the right to freedom of religion (Section 38), the right to equality and freedom from discrimination (Section 42), and the constitutional right to self-determination in matters of traditional leadership.
It is important to remember that Governor Yahaya’s decision to interfere and impose a stranger on Tangale people was unprecedented. He acted aggressively, and without respect for due process. In contrast, we have witnessed recently how the governors of Adamawa and Bauchi states waited patiently for kingmakers and indigenous traditions to run their course. The governors approved rulers according to established customs of the people. But Gov. Yahaya has vehemently refused to correct his own mistake, even after it became clear that the man he planted in the palace is not a Tangale man, thus revealing a deeper agenda.
We remind you that Governor Inuwa Yahaya is a Fulani man, and in his role as governor with executive powers, he appears to be perpetuating a longstanding pattern of domination—one carried out by his ancestors—which seeks to undermine the tribal cultures of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt by installing Fulani individuals as traditional leaders. In Tangale land, this pattern is now evident. The Tangale people see through this plan and categorically reject it. Our culture, traditions, and inherent right to determine our own leadership cannot and will not be overridden. The land belongs to the Tangale people, and no external interference—political or otherwise—will succeed.
Even before the Mai Tangle issue, Governor Inuwa Yahaya denied Justice Beatrice Iliya, the next in rank, the opportunity to become Chief Justice of Gombe State—simply because she is a Christian and a Tangale woman. This reflects a broader pattern of discrimination against our people that we must continue to resist.
During the Mai Tangle saga, the then Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Billiri, Mr. Sanda Umar, was used to compile a list of innocent Tangale sons and daughters, labeling them “troublemakers” to justify harassment and arrests. Their only “crime” was being Tangale Christians. The same tactics resurfaced last Easter, when a truck killed our kinsmen during a procession. Despite our people being the victims, the same DPO fabricated lies and facilitated arrests. Only when videos went viral did the truth emerge, exposing the deep-seated hatred and propaganda deployed against our community.
We assure you, those who were unjustly sentenced by the Gombe High Court in connection with the Mai Tangle saga will have their cases appealed; justice will vigorously be pursued through all legal channels.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya has also weaponized healthcare by neglecting General Hospital Billiri, allowing it to decay despite controlling the federal allocations meant for Billiri Local Government Area. He diverted funds intended for our people, further demonstrating the lengths he will go to undermine Tangale welfare.
Yet, despite these provocations, the Tangale people have risen with admirable courage, unity, and clarity of purpose. By decisively rejecting the impostor and firmly isolating all illegitimate structures, we have delivered an unmistakable message: Tangale customs and decisions will never be overridden or dictated by external forces. This proud, disciplined, and principled stance not only defends our dignity and protects our heritage, but also showcases the exceptional strength, wisdom, and resilience of the Tangale people.
Further asserting our collective will, a historic and fully participatory election of the Tangale Community Development Association (TCDA) was conducted by the General Assembly comprising all TCDA branches nationwide and all Tul mana associations. Comrade Danladi Bako was elected National President, and every family affirms his mandate—except the small circle tied to Governor Inuwa for political appointments. Comrade Danladi Bako’s leadership reflects the true will of the Tangale people, at home and in the diaspora.
In line with that, we endorse and affirm the position of the TCDA leadership that there will be no Pissi Tangle this year.
We call on all Tangale sons and daughters to remain steadfast in insisting that Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba be recognized as the rightful Mai Tangle. Governor Inuwa Yahaya should respect our customs and formally install him. But even if the Governor refuses, the legitimate will of the Tangale people stands firm.
Despite provocation, discrimination, and constitutional violations, the Tangale people remain committed to peace, lawful conduct, and constitutional order. We reject violence not out of fear, but because our cause is just, our process is lawful, and our confidence in truth is unshakable. Our restraint is not weakness—it is proof of maturity, discipline, and commitment to the rule of law.
We are one people—guided by our customs, protected by our history, and destined to remain free, dignified, and sovereign.
In unity, pride, and determination,
SIGNED
Eli Ibrahim Kerek, PhD
Public Relations Officer
Tangale Community Overseas (TCO)
