By Beatrice Gondyi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, on Tuesday, signed into law two historic bills — the Bauchi State Emirates and Chieftaincies (Appointment and Deposition) Law, 2025, and the Zaar Chiefdom Law, 2025 — ushering in a new phase of traditional governance and community inclusion in the state.
The ceremony, held at the Government House, Bauchi, was witnessed by top government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and community representatives. The new laws provide for the creation of fourteen new Emirates and Chiefdoms, including the long-awaited Zaar Chiefdom with headquarters at Mhrim.
Governor Mohammed described the event as “a reaffirmation of Bauchi’s faith in inclusion, justice, and unity,” noting that the reform was aimed at modernizing traditional institutions to meet contemporary governance and development challenges.
“This is not an act of politics but of policy — not a reward for loyalty, but a recognition of merit and necessity,” the governor said.
According to him, the initiative began following numerous agitations and appeals from communities across the twenty local government areas. To ensure fairness, the government established a High-Powered Committee under the chairmanship of Hamza Koshe Akuyam on July 17, 2025. The committee, made up of respected citizens and traditional council members, reviewed hundreds of submissions and held public hearings before making its recommendations.
The governor commended the Bauchi State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Abubakar Y. Suleiman, for its diligence and patriotism in passing the bills after open debate and stakeholder consultations. He said the collaboration between the executive and legislature demonstrated how democracy should work — through dialogue and shared responsibility.
The new Emirates and Chiefdoms created include Burra, Dambam, Darazo, Duguri, Gamawa, Giade, Toro, Warji, Ari, Jama’a, Lame, Bununu, Lere, and the Zaar Chiefdom. Each, the governor said, will serve as a centre for peacebuilding, development, and administrative efficiency.
Governor Mohammed explained that the reform would improve grassroots governance, empower local communities, promote cultural heritage, and enhance internally generated revenue to support local development projects. He also noted that improved data collection from the newly structured traditional councils would strengthen the state’s position in accessing federal allocations and international interventions.
The governor warned strongly against any attempt to sabotage or politicize the implementation of the new laws. He directed security agencies to act firmly against individuals or groups inciting division or obstructing peace, stressing that the government would not tolerate misconduct from any public official or traditional leader.
“Leadership is a trust from Almighty Allah, and we will all account for how we use it,” he warned.
Governor Mohammed also signed two additional bills — the Bauchi State Supplementary Appropriation Law, 2025 and the Bauchi State Local Government Contributory Pension Scheme Law, 2025 to further strengthen public finance management and welfare administration.
He expressed gratitude to members of the State Executive Council, the Akuyam Committee, the legislature, and all community stakeholders for their cooperation in making the reform people-centered and lawful.
As Bauchi prepares to mark its 50th anniversary in 2026, Governor Mohammed described the reform as “a gift to posterity and a foundation for stronger, more united communities.”
“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,” the governor concluded.
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