By Ayodele Oni
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has explained that the creation of additional Emirate Councils in the State is to make them serve as centre for grassroots governance, conflict resolution, and socio-economic advancement in line with the principle of leaving no one behind.
Speaking in Bauchi during the signing into law two landmark bills, namely the Bauchi State Emirates and Chieftaincies Law, 2025, and the Zaar Chiefdom Law, 2025, the governor declared that “This is not an act of politics, but of policy, not a reward for loyalty, but a recognition of merit and necessity.”
The signing of the bills held at the Government House, Bauchi, marks a defining moment in the state’s governance history as it formally creates 14 new Emirates and Chiefdoms, including the much-anticipated Zaar Chiefdom with headquarters at Mhrim.
Governor Mohammed pointed out that “We are strengthening traditional governance to promote inclusion, peace, and sustainable growth.”
He noted that the Bauchi of 2025 is vastly different from that of 1976, adding that the evolving population and governance demands require reforms that renew tradition while ensuring relevance to modern realities.
The process, the governor explained, began after numerous appeals from communities across the twenty local government areas.
“In response, the state government set up a High-Powered Committee chaired by Hamza Koshe Akuyam on July 17, 2025, to review all requests and make recommendations based on fairness, historical facts, and community consensus.
“The committee received hundreds of memoranda, conducted public hearings, and consulted with experts and traditional leaders.
“Its recommendations were later forwarded to the Bauchi State House of Assembly, which subjected the bills to extensive deliberation and public scrutiny before unanimously passing them into law.”
The Governor commended the legislature for its patriotism and partnership, describing the collaboration between the executive and legislative arms as a model of democratic governance.
The newly created traditional councils are located in Burra, Dambam, Darazo, Duguri, Gamawa, Giade, Toro, Warji, Ari, Jama’a, Lame, Bununu, Lere, and the Zaar Chiefdom.
According to him, the reform is also expected to boost local revenue generation, enhance data collection, and improve access to developmental interventions from both national and international partners.
Mohammed warned against any attempt to undermine or politicize the implementation of the new laws, stressing that peace and order must prevail.
“Any person or group found spreading misinformation or attempting to disrupt public peace will face the full consequences of the law. Leadership is a trust from Almighty Allah, and we will all account for how we use it” he said.
In addition to the chieftaincy laws, the governor also assented to two other significant bills, the Bauchi State Supplementary Appropriation Law, 2025 and the Bauchi State Local Government Contributory Pension Scheme Law, 2025 — aimed at improving fiscal responsibility and social welfare administration.
He expressed appreciation to the State Executive Council, the Akuyam Committee, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders for their support and cooperation throughout the process.
“As Bauchi State prepares to mark its 50th anniversary in 2026, the reforms serves as a gift to posterity, a foundation for inclusion, and a framework for sustainable governance that aligns with the state’s long-term development plan and the global SDG agenda.
“We have proven that reform can be done with consultation, consensus, and compassion. We did not divide our people; we brought them closer. We did not impose change; we guided it.”
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