SIR ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA

Sir Tafawa Balewa, the ethnic minority Gere man everyone thinks was Hausa, or Fulani. Who are the Gerawa people?

Theme: The Gere People (Hausa: Gerawa), their Origins, Beliefs, and Social Structure; Preserving Minority Traditions in Northern Nigeria's Cultural Tapestry

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was a prominent Nigerian political figure, from one of Nigeria’s smallest and fast vanishing ethnic groups, called the Gere. When Hausa people make reference to an ethnic group, they prefix “ba” to it to indicate a singular form and suffix “awa” to pluralize it. So the singular form of the ethnic group’s name in Hausa is Bagere, which later became Bageri, and the plural form is Gerawa. The people themselves self-identify as Gere, not Hausa, not Fulani, not Bagarmi, and are also not Shuwa Arabs. (Apparently the Bagarmi hail from Chad in past times.)

Something many people don’t know is that Tafawa Balewa is a place name. The Gere people were not natives of Tafawa Balewa town but moved there from their village. Alhaji Ahmad Yakubu Wanka, the grandson of the late Prime Minister, claims his family come from “Tirwun, a Gere town which has now been subsumed as a satellite town of Bauchi” because of urbanisation.

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa got enrolled in school in Tafawa Balewa town once his father secured a job as a domestic servant for the district head of Lere, a man named Ajiyan Bauchi. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa acquired the surname Tafawa Balewa because he needed to fill in a form to enrol in school and it was assumed by the school that he was a native of the town.

The Gere, are so few in number at about 200,000-400,000, their language is one of the minority languages in Nigeria that are in imminent danger of extinction. Only a few older people speak it while the youths mainly speak Hausa - the language of trade and socialisation. The Gere occupy about 30 villages but less than 4 villages pass in Gere to their kids.

Who are the Gere people?

Introduction:

In the vast tapestry of cultures that adorn the northern region of Nigeria, the Gere people stand as guardians of an ancient heritage. Nestled in the heartland of the country, the Gere have woven their unique customs, beliefs, and traditions into the very fabric of their existence. Amidst the hustle and bustle of modernity, they continue to hold steadfastly to their roots, breathing life into their rich cultural tapestry.

Life in Gere Communities:

Venturing into the Gere communities is akin to stepping back in time. With their modest settlements dotted across the picturesque landscapes, the Gere people embrace a lifestyle deeply intertwined with nature. Rustic mud-brick huts, adorned with traditional motifs and thatched roofs, line the pathways, while the scent of roasted millet fills the air. Here, life pulsates to the rhythm of tradition, and communal bonds hold paramount importance.

Culture and Traditions:

At the core of Gere culture lies an intricate web of customs that have been meticulously preserved over the centuries. From birth to death, every milestone in a Gere individual's life is commemorated with elaborate rituals and ceremonies. The vibrant dances, melodious songs, and captivating folklore captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into the ancient tales and legends that have shaped the Gere collective identity.

Economic Pursuits:

Despite the winds of change, the Gere people remain connected to their agricultural roots. Cultivating the fertile land that sustains them, farming forms the backbone of their economy. In sync with the seasons, they meticulously sow and harvest crops such as millet, sorghum, and groundnuts, utilizing traditional techniques handed down through generations. Alongside agriculture, weaving and pottery craftsmanship continue to thrive, with intricate patterns and designs reflecting the region's cultural motifs.

Community Spirit and Social Structure:

One cannot speak of the Gere without mentioning their strong sense of community spirit. Gathering at central meeting places known as "dakaches," the Gere come together to address issues, share wisdom, and celebrate milestones. Elders serve as pillars of wisdom, guiding the younger generations and preserving the collective memory. Gender roles are well-defined, with men typically engaged in farming and women overseeing household duties, maintaining the delicate balance of Gere society.

At a local village or small town level, each subgroup of the Gere people has a Nallo (a ruler) advised a senate (a council of elders). After a Nallo dies, the senate present candidates from the royal family to the people and the people elect their new Nallo. All Nallos however sit under the Emir of Bauchi. 

Entering adulthood, Courtship and Marriage:

Boys aged seven to nine undergo a collective circumcision ritual, accompanied by religious initiation led by elders and the dodo, a masked figure. This month-long period in the bush serves as both religious instruction and training for manhood. Following the initiation, a seven-day feast occurs, and the boys are brought back to the village by the dodo, who dances with the community. After circumcision, the boy's father seeks a wife for his son through a marriage proposal to a girl's father. If the girl agrees, a courtship begins at age seventeen, where the boy works on the girl's father's farm for five years. Upon paying the bride-price, a feast is held, and the girl moves to the groom's house. The couple commences their married life that evening.

Gerawa Beliefs:

The Gera people, while predominantly Muslim, still retain elements of their traditional ethnic religion. Their belief system revolves around an invisible supreme deity known as Kpa, who resides in heaven. Each Gera family selects an object, such as a stone or a tree, to symbolize Kpa and offers sacrifices and prayers to this representation. The dodo, a powerful supernatural entity, plays a significant role in their religious practices. It intercedes with Kpa on behalf of the community, praying for favorable agricultural yields and a blessed rainy season. The Gera attribute special abilities to their priests, who are believed to have the power to communicate with spirits and possess spiritual insight into ongoing events. The Gerawa were slow to adopt Islam historically.

Traditional birth control:

After a woman gives birth, she stays in her husband's house until the seventh day for a naming ceremony. Subsequently, she and the child move to the maternal grandparents' home for a two-year period, serving as a method of birth control.

Preserving Cultural Heritage:

As modernity encroaches upon the Gere communities, the challenge of preserving their cultural heritage becomes increasingly paramount. Recognizing the importance of education, efforts are being made to pass down traditional knowledge and values to younger generations. Schools now incorporate elements of Gere culture into the curriculum, ensuring that the next generation continues to cherish and nurture their ancestral traditions.

Policial, economic and social influence in Bauchi:

The Gere people in Bauchi have significant political, social, and economic influence due to their historical ties to the first Emir of Bauchi, who was believed to have been Gere. The region's geographical features, including hills, mountains, rivers, and fertile soil, enable year-round cultivation, with the Gere engaging in farming, particularly millet and guinea corn, as well as livestock rearing. Notably, the Gere community is characterized by their relatively modern outlook, with many educated individuals, businessmen, and high-ranking government officials, contributing to their prominence in various spheres of Bauchi's society.

Sir Tafawa Balewa’s Political Career:

He played a significant role in the country's struggle for independence and its early post-colonial period. Depending on who you ask, you will get different perspectives on his key achievements and the main criticisms of his political career:

His Key Achievements:

(1). First Prime Minister of Nigeria: Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa served as Nigeria's first Prime Minister from 1957 to 1966. He played a pivotal role in leading the country towards independence and guiding it through its early years as a sovereign nation.

(2). Role in Nigeria's Independence: Balewa was actively involved in negotiations with the British government leading to Nigeria's independence in 1960. He represented Nigeria on the international stage, advocating for self-governance and the rights of African nations.

(3). Leadership during Nation-Building: As Prime Minister, Balewa worked towards nation-building and fostering unity among Nigeria's diverse ethnic groups. He promoted a vision of a united Nigeria and worked to bridge divides and promote understanding among different regions and communities.

(4). Economic Development: Balewa's administration prioritized economic development, particularly in the areas of agriculture, education, and infrastructure. He sought to diversify the Nigerian economy and reduce dependence on oil by encouraging investment in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.

(5). International Diplomacy: Balewa played a prominent role in international diplomacy, representing Nigeria at the United Nations and other global forums. He sought to strengthen Nigeria's diplomatic ties and played a key role in the formation of the Organization of African Unity (now African Union). He spoke against France’s nuclear tests in the Sahara desert.

His Main Criticisms:

(1). Regional Imbalance: One criticism directed at Balewa was his perceived favoritism towards his own region, the North, leading to allegations of neglect and marginalization of other regions, particularly the Southeast and the South.

(2). Slow Pace of Development: Critics argued that the economic development under Balewa's administration was slow, with limited progress made in addressing poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure challenges.

(3). Failure to Address Ethnic and Regional Tensions: Balewa faced criticism for not effectively addressing ethnic and regional tensions that emerged in Nigeria during his tenure. Some argue that his leadership failed to adequately address conflicts that ultimately contributed to political instability and later events like the Nigerian Civil War.

(4). Ineffective Governance: Balewa was criticized for his inability to effectively manage the growing political and social challenges facing the country. Some felt that his leadership lacked strong decision-making and failed to address corruption and inefficiency within the government.

(5). Handling of the Tiv Riots: Balewa faced criticism for his handling of the Tiv Riots in 1960, which resulted in a significant loss of lives. Critics argued that his response was inadequate, highlighting a failure to effectively manage communal conflicts and maintain law and order.

Balewa was overthrown and murdered in a military coup on 15 January 1966, as were many other leaders, including his old companion Sir Ahmadu Bello. The circumstances of his death still remain unresolved. His body was discovered at a roadside near Lagos six days after he was ousted from office. Balewa was buried in Bauchi. News of his assassination spurred violent riots throughout Northern Nigeria and ultimately led to the bloody counter-coup of July 1966.

I would like to hear about the history of the Gere people from the Group. Any corrections to my research are welcome. There is a lot I don’t know. This write up is what I was able to piece together from research.

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