Gov Bala Muhammed Named Brother as First Class Emir of New Emirate

By Beatrice Gondyi, Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has approved the appointment of his elder brother, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed Duguri, as the first Emir of Duguri Emirate, with a first-class status, marking a significant milestone in the state’s traditional leadership structure.

Speaking shortly after receiving his letter of appointment on Friday, the new Emir described the recognition as “the fulfilment of a long-awaited dream for the people of Duguri.” He expressed gratitude to Allah and the Bauchi State government for the honour and pledged to serve with integrity and dedication.

A retired Assistant Controller of Customs and current Chairman of the Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (BA-SUBEB), Emir Duguri assured that his reign would prioritize peace, education, and community development. He vowed to collaborate closely with other traditional rulers to promote unity and support government initiatives in key sectors such as education, health, and security.

“Education remains the foundation of progress,” the Emir said, promising to ensure more children are enrolled in school and to improve access to quality healthcare within the Duguri Emirate.

In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, Emir Duguri conferred the traditional title of ‘Yariman Duguri’ (Prince of Duguri) on Governor Bala Mohammed, acknowledging his role in creating the new emirate.

Presenting the letter of appointment, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Aminu Hammayo, said the appointment was made in line with the Bauchi State Chieftaincy Appointment and Deposition Law, 2025, particularly Sections 16 and 17.

Hammayo urged the new Emir to uphold justice, truth, and fairness while fostering peace and development in his domain. He noted that the decision underscores the administration’s commitment to empowering traditional institutions as key partners in grassroots governance and community development.

Governor Mohammed had recently signed into law a bill establishing 13 new emirates and one chiefdom across Bauchi State. Several newly appointed emirs have since received their letters of appointment, with others expected to follow in due course.

The establishment of the Duguri Emirate and the appointment of Alhaji Adamu Mohammed Duguri as its pioneer first-class Emir mark a new chapter in Bauchi’s evolving traditional system — one that aims to deepen inclusion and strengthen cultural heritage in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on peace, education, and strong institutions.