ABSTRACT
To understand the government of Zaria in 1950, people must know the history of its development under British rule. When the British forces arrived in Northern Nigeria the Fulani empire was in an unusually unstable condition. Zaria had been involved in the struggle indirectly, but was not an active participant. Their rights of garrison at Zaria had allowed the British to use Zaria as a base for mobilizing their troops to attack Kano and Sokoto. The Alkali had been an elector of Zaria, and had held office under the previous regime. After his removal, Aliyu set about securing the dismissal of Galadima Suleimanu. Suleimanu had ruled Zaria as a sovereign during the six months' interregnum which preceded Aliyu's appointment. Apart from the king's kinsmen, several persons whom he had appointed to office were dismissed during his reign for peculation, maladministration, or on other grounds. These dismissals express British pressure.
