In a move likened to “redrawing the map of tradition and governance,” the Bauchi State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has held a public hearing on a proposed law seeking the creation of 13 new emirates, one chiefdom, and 116 districts across the state.
The hearing, which drew a cross-section of traditional rulers, stakeholders, and community representatives, was convened to harvest public opinion on the Bauchi State Chieftaincy (Appointment and Deposition) Law, 2025 a bill sponsored by the Executive Arm under the leadership of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.
Declaring the session open, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Abubakar Y. Suleiman (Dangaladiman Ningi), reaffirmed that the present administration remains committed to grassroots development and inclusive governance. “This exercise is about justice, fairness, and the collective progress of our people,” the Speaker said, stressing that the initiative was driven by the people’s yearnings for equitable representation and effective local administration.
He described the effort as part of the state’s resolve to bring governance closer to the people, in line with Governor Bala Mohammed’s vision of broad-based development.
In his presentation, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Bala Abdullahi Dan, revealed that over 40 memoranda had been received from various quarters, all in favour of the proposed restructuring.
“We have not recorded any outright opposition to the creation of new emirates,” he disclosed, noting, however, that concerns were raised over the location of the proposed Sayawa Chiefdom headquarters
Hon. Bala Dan emphasised that the committee would work hand in glove with the Executive to ensure equity and transparency in handling all submissions.
“This is not politics; it’s about progress. We are responding to population growth, communal aspirations, and the need to strengthen our traditional institutions,” he stated.
Traditional rulers also threw their weight behind the initiative. The Emirs of Katagum and Misau, Alhaji Umar Faruk II and Alhaji Ahmed Suleiman, respectively, commended the governor for revitalising traditional governance structures and pledged their total support.
However, the hearing was not without its moments of friction. The Boi community in Bogoro Local Government Area openly opposed being placed under the proposed Sayawa Chiefdom, underscoring the delicate balance required in such territorial reforms.
Hon. Bala Dan, in closing, assured that the committee’s final report would reflect justice, fairness, and the voice of the people, promising that deserving communities would receive their due recognition while urging patience from those yet to be captured.
The exercise, he noted, aims not only to strengthen traditional institutions and enhance local participation in governance but also to preserve Bauchi’s rich cultural heritage ensuring that, like a well-tended tree, the roots of tradition and progress grow side by side.
Zakariyya Aliyu Gwaram
New Media Unit
Information and Publication Directorate, BAHA
