Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad of Bauchi state has signed into law, the Chieftaincy Appointment and Deposition Law, which provides for the creation of 13 new emirates and over 100 districts heads across the State.
Also signed into law, was the repeal of the Sayawa Chiefdom and enactment of the Zaar Chiefdom with headquarters at Mhrim Namchi community in Tafawa Balewa local government area.
The governor equally 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 governor equally signed into law the Local Government Pension Contributory Scheme, pledging to clear the backlog of pensions and gratuities owed to retired local government workers.
In addition, the 2025 Appropriation Supplementary Act was signed to support the smooth implementation of ongoing developmental projects and programs initiated by his administration.
The new Emirates as announced by the Governor in his address are: Ari with headquarters in Gadan Maiwa, Bununu with headquarters in Bununu, Bura with headquarters in Bura, Dambam with headquarters in Dambam, Darazo with headquarters in Darazo and Duguri with headquarters in Yuli.
Other Emirates are: Gamawa with headquarters in Gamawa, Giade with headquarters in Giade, Jama’a with headquarters in Nabordo, Lame with headquarters in Gumau, Lere with headquarters in Lere, Toro with headquarters in Toro and Warji with headquarters in Katanga Warji.
The only Chiefdom, the Zaar (Sayawa) Chiefdom has its headquarters in Mhrim Namchi, bringing to a definite end, the long agitation of the Zaar nation comprising Bogoro and Tafawa Balewa LGAs, for self rule.
Assenting to the bills at Government House, Senator Bala Muhammad warned against politicizing or undermining the implementation of the newly enacted laws adding that security agencies are directed to take appropriate action.
He stated that, “Today, we gather in gratitude to witness a historic event the signing into law of two landmark bills that will strengthen our traditional institutions and give greater voice and representation to our communities: A Law to Establish the Bauchi StateEmirates and Chieftaincies (Appointment and Deposition) Law and Other Matters Related Therewith, 2025; and A Law to Provide for the Enactment of the Zaar Chiefdom Law and Other Matters Connected Thereto, 2025.”
According to him,”This is a solemn and defining moment. It is not merely about creating new Emirates and Chiefdoms, but about reaffirming our collective faith in inclusion, justice, and unity and positioning Bauchi for the next phase of its development.”
While giving historical context and the need for reform, the Governor stressed that,”Next year, Bauchi will mark 50 years as a state. Before 1976, we were part of the old North-East State, which has since evolved into six independent states each charting its own course of progress. That evolution itself reminds us that growth requires reform, and progress demands adaptation.”
According to him,”Our traditional institutions, which have served as the bedrock of peace, order, and identity, must also evolve to meet the realities of our growing population and changing society. The Bauchi of 1976 is not the Bauchi of 2025. Our population has multiplied, our towns have expanded, and the demands of governance have become more complex.”
Muhammad added that,”It has therefore become necessary to update the structure of traditional governance to reflect these realities not to replace tradition, but to renew it and make it relevant to modern needs.”
On how the process began, he explained that, “The journey that led to this day started from the agitations and appeals we received from communities across the state, both during our campaigns and throughout our tenure in office. These were sincere expressions of identity, belonging, and the yearning for recognition.”
“In response, and in keeping with our commitment to fairness and due process, we established a High-Powered Committee on the 17th of July, 2025, composed of respected citizens from all 20 Local Government Areas, alongside senior traditional councillors representing the Six Emirates of Bauchi State,” he added.
He also highlighted that the Committee’s mandate was to review all requests, evaluate their merits, and make recommendations guided by justice, historical facts, and community consensus.
The Governor added that the purpose and vusion of the reform was improving grassroots governance and attracting development to local communities;
Empowering communities with strongervoices in decision-making;
Addressing perceived injustices and fostering unity among diverse groups and recognizing cultural heritage andpromoting inclusivity; and blending traditional leadership withmodern governance so that theinstitution remains a relevant partner in development, peace, and progress.
It was also to increase revenue generation at the local level which will be used for developmental projects in those local communities and enhance and improve our data collection and indices, which are critical in determining the amount that is allocated to states and local governments in the allocation of resources and intervention by Donors and International Organizations.
He stressed that, “This reform is not an act of politics, but of policy; not a reward for loyalty, but a recognition of merit and necessity.
He added that,”The process itself is one of the most consultative and transparent ever undertaken in our state. The Hamza Koshe Akuyam Committee, composed of distinguished citizens and supported by experts, received hundreds of memoranda from communities across the 20 LGAs.”
“They conducted public hearings, invited presentations, and even visited other states to study their experiences. The committee developed clear criteria for assessing each request taking into account history, population, social cohesion, and economic viability,”he added.
The Governor added that,”Their recommendations were thorough, fair, and evidence-based. They reflected not just the wishes of the people, but also the wisdom of experience and the lessons of history.”
According to him, “When the report was submitted, our administration forwarded it to the Bauchi State House of Assembly for legislative action. The House, under the able leadership of the Right Honourable Speaker, displayed great patriotism and diligence by subjecting the bills to first and second readings, public hearings, and extensive debate before unanimously passing them into law.”
He further stressed that,”This collaboration between the Executive and Legislature is a shining example of how democracy should work — through dialogue, participation, and shared responsibility.”
On addressing concerns and embracing change, he stated that,
“We are aware that change often comes with concerns and resistance. This is understandable, especially when it touches on issues as sensitive as tradition and identity. .But as we all know, the only constant thing in life is change. No matter our disposition, change will come and when guided by fairness and sincerity, it leads to progress.”
He assured that,”These reforms are therefore meant to strengthen our unity, deepen local governance, and encourage cooperation. In time, their benefits will become even clearer in the form of peace, inclusion, and accelerated development across every corner of Bauchi State.”
On the uniqueness of Bauchi’s approach, he stressed that,”What makes Bauchi’s reform unique is its consultative, inclusive, and lawful character. We did not impose decisions from above; we built them from the ground up.”
According to him, “We listened to the people, engaged communities, sought the counsel of historians, and worked closely with the Legislature and security agencies. Even our Emirs were part of the process and made recommendations that enriched it.
This is why the outcome enjoys legitimacy and broad public support. It is a reform by the people, for the people, and in the interest of Bauchi State.”
He then declared,”With total submission to Almighty Allah and with a deep sense of responsibility for the trust placed upon us, I hereby give my assent to the two laws: The Bauchi State Chieftaincy (Appointment andDeposition) Law &other Matter Related thereto, 2025; and The Zaar Chiefdom Law, 2025.”
Muhammad added that, “Accordingly, I direct the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, in collaboration with the Secretary to the State Government, to immediately gazette, publish, and distribute copies of these laws to all relevant authorities and institutions for implementation.”
He then sounded a warning against sabotage and misconduct stressing,”Let me use this opportunity to issue a clear and firm warning: This administration will not tolerate any attempt to undermine, obstruct, or politicize the implementation of these laws.”
According to him, “Any person or group found inciting division, spreading misinformation, or attempting to disrupt public peace will face the full consequences of the law. The law enforcement agencies, represented here today, are fully empowered to act decisively in maintaining peace and order.”
“Furthermore, any government official or traditional leader who acts contrary to the spirit of this reform, or engages in conduct capable of undermining its objectives, will face appropriate disciplinary action. Leadership is a trust from Almighty Allah and we will all account for how we use it,”he added.
in his call for unity and cooperation, he stressed that, “This reform is not an end; it is a beginning of a process that will continue as our communities grow and evolve. I therefore call on all citizens of Bauchi State to embrace unity, support the new Emirates, Chiefdoms, and Districts, and work hand in hand with their leaders to promote peace, development, and prosperity.”
In his conclusion, the Governor stated that,”As Bauchi approaches its 50th anniversary, this reform stands as a major milestone a gift to posterity, a framework for inclusion, and a foundation for stronger communities making us at par with other states like Gombe, Yobe, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Plateau etc.”
According to him,”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.”
While presenting the bills, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Sulaiman, commended the Governor for his responsiveness to the needs of various communities.
He noted that the massive turnout at the public hearings reflected citizens’ strong desire for government presence and effective traditional administration at the grassroots level
