The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has signed into law the Chieftaincy Appointment and Deposition Law, paving the way for the creation of 13 new emirates and over 111 district heads across the state.
Also assented to was the repeal of the Sayawa Chiefdom and the enactment of the Zaar Chiefdom, with its headquarters at Mhrim Namchi community in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area.
At the signing ceremony on Tuesday at Government House, Bauchi, the governor also signed into law the Local Government Pension Contributory Scheme, pledging to clear the backlog of pensions and gratuities owed to retired local government workers.
The newly created emirates include Burra (Burra), Duguri (Yuli), Dambam (Dambam), Bununu (Bununu), Lere (Lere), Darazo (Darazo), Jama’a (Nabardo), Lame (Gumau), Toro (Toro), Ari (Gadar Maiwa), Warji (Katangar Warji), Giade (Giade), and Gamawa (Gamawa).
Governor Mohammed, while assenting to the bills, cautioned against attempts to politicise the reforms.
He warned, “This administration will not tolerate any attempt to undermine, obstruct, or politicize the implementation of these laws.
“Any person or group found inciting division, spreading misinformation, or attempting to disrupt public peace will face the full consequences of the law. Furthermore, any government official or traditional leader who acts contrary to the spirit of this reform… will face appropriate disciplinary action.”
He further directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, in collaboration with the Secretary to the State Government, to immediately gazette, publish, and distribute copies of the laws to all relevant authorities and institutions.
Earlier, Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Y. Suleiman, described the law as the outcome of “extensive public engagement, consultations, and consensus-building among critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and professional associations.”
He noted, “This law represents not just administrative expansion but a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility to build a system that serves every community fairly.
“Through open dialogue and public hearings, our people expressed overwhelming support for this initiative, which will strengthen traditional institutions and enhance service delivery in previously underserved areas.”
According to the Speaker, the Assembly took into account fairness, due process, and respect for traditional norms in crafting the provisions for the appointment and deposition of traditional rulers under the new law.
He added that Bauchi State House of Assembly had passed a landmark bill providing a legal framework for the creation of additional emirates and districts across the state, in a move aimed at bringing governance, traditional leadership, and development closer to the people.
