Potiskum, a metropolis with first-class Emirs ruling

By Yahuza Rabiu Garba 

Mai Potiskum Umaru Bubaram

Potiskum, a major town in Northern Nigeria and the economic center of Yobe state and having the biggest cattle market in west Africa. The word potiskum is drives from "pata" "skum" which is said to be Ngizim language meaning forest of angled trees. 

There exist two Emirates in Potiskum, The renowned Fika Emirate and Pataskum Emirate respectively. This came as a result of colonial intervention that led to idealistic and skirmish clashes between Theo Bole people, those recognized by the colonists and those they disturbed.

The  Pataskum (Potiskum) Emirate is a traditional state with headquarters in Potiskum, Yobe State. The emir holds the title "Mai". The Ngizim claimed that the emirate was founded in 1809. In 1913 the British colonial rulers merged it into the Fika Emirate.

The Fika Emirate is a traditional state with headquarters in Potiskum, Yobe State, Nigeria. Dr. Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa received his staff of office as 43rd Emir of Fika from Yobe governor Ibrahim Gaidam on 12 May 2010. The Emir (or Moi in the local language) is head of the Bole people. It also has a claiming history of more than 3 centuries of rule.

The execution of One Mai Agudum, an Ngizim king resulted the political problem and brought a halt to Pataskum ruling. However, as recorded by Ngizim historians, the former Governor of Yobe state (as a means of campaign) restored Pataskum Emirate and hand it over to Ngizim defendants. Election was conducted and Mai Atiyaye was opportune to be the first king of the restored kingdom, however, within short period of time, he died and Mai Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wariwa Bauya was turbaned as the "Mai" of Pataskum.

For the side of the powerful Fika Emirate, the non- disturbed  dynasty continued to rule. Fika Emirate hold the seat of chairman of traditional rulers immediately after the creation of Yobe state by Babangida Administration. 

Emir of Fika Dr Muhammad Ibn Abali Idrisa

The history of Potiskum is very controversial as its filled up with oral traditions of many versions, just like historians forwarded "objectivity is never attainable". 

The Bole ruling Fika Emirate is located an western part of the metropolis and the Pataskum at East. Even though there exist clashes on boundaries of ruling, Potiskum is peaceful and expanding.

The main tribes are Kare-Kare, Bole, Ngizim, Hausa-Fulani, Kanuri and other tribes as minority. However, the economic development of Potiskum is through farming and transportation. 

Despite some series of Bomb blasts and and BokoHaram activities in Potiskum (including abduction of Korean medical experts), there isn't any record of violence of whatever type since 13th December 2018.

Potiskum is also home of the renowned second republic politician Adamu Chrimi, Archeologist Liman Chiroma, General Alkali (killed recently at Plateau state).