by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The emerging debates over the right naming for the anticipated creation of the State in Southern Kaduna, in Nigeria, has just begun unexpectedly. While some are harping on proposed “Gurara State,” others have kicked against the name, in favor of “Kada State.”
These has not only began to dominate discussions both in real life and throw-away conversations by some indigenous people of Southern Kaduna since state creation information by House Representatives began to circulate, but gradually gaining ground.
While those against Gurara have argued that the name does not have direct bearing on the historical culture and nativity of the people, those in favour of Kada, on the other hand, expressly linked and traced the latter to “Crocodile City” Kaduna River is known for.
As the Southern Kaduna natives, know for accommodative life style, continue to engage one another in the conversation, it’s obvious that the ongoing debate is still at incubation and skeletal, on which name should carry the day when creating the State in Southern Kaduna area for their liberation.
Recalled that the House of Representatives recently announced receiving 31 proposals for the creation of more states in Nigeria under the present Bola Tinubu-led administration believed in creating balance and correcting some development imbalance in the country.
While majority are in favour of “Gurara State,” a fraction of the indigenes in favour of “Kada State” have challenged the originality of Gurara, also contesting the non-historical antecedent of Gurara to the existence of Southern Kaduna Nation.
The question mostly asked, however, includes: “How did we arrive at Gurara and why, when we know that Kada is synonymous and had been identified with Southern Kaduna people because of the crocodile known for Kaduna River?
Supporters of “Kada” have also impressed that Kaduna rivers define the originality of the people of Southern Kaduna and deeply belong the owners of the land, long before the river known for crocodile hub of the state, beginning with the tribes of Gwar chiefdom.
In a social gathering in Ungwan Boro area of Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, last week, one Asmau Istifanus had in an excitement mode about impending state creation in their area, ignorantly queried the rationale behind the name, “Gurara,” and where it came from in the history of Southern Kaduna, which triggered the debates.
Adamu Istifanus, who was reacting to the name, “Gurara” echoed by his colleague, said “But where did the Gurara come from self?; I don’t know. Even me, I don’t know. Why not “Kada” we are known for, which derived meaning from crocodile in River Kaduna?” Another Southern Kaduna man responded in support and affirmation.
While some confirmed the name as long been in use for agitation for their proposed state creation – derived from water or strain, others are still in contention, claiming ignorance of the water.