Hot SourceGovernor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has calmed fears among traditional rulers over the government’s plan to create new emirates, chiefdoms, and districts in the state.
Speaking while receiving a report from the committee in charge of the exercise, Governor Bala said the move is not meant to reduce the powers of any existing traditional ruler or weaken the traditional institution.
He explained that the reform is part of his government’s effort to improve local governance, close ungoverned areas, and encourage community participation and development across the state.
The committee recommended the creation of 13 new emirates, two chiefdoms, and 111 districts in Bauchi State.
According to the governor, the plan will also fulfill the promises he made during his 2019 campaign, aimed at bringing government closer to the people, promoting local identity, and strengthening traditional rulers’ roles in maintaining peace and unity.
Governor Bala acknowledged that some monarchs might feel uneasy about the reform but said similar changes had been carried out in other Nigerian states and even outside the country. He explained that such reforms help provide accurate data for development planning and fairer distribution of resources from the federation account.
“It is in consonance with the established practice in the country in various states where the traditional institutions have been unbundled and provided data and statistics for development, and distribution of take away from the federation account in terms of number of emirates, districts and villages,” he added.
He added that traditional rulers play a vital role in mobilising communities for development projects and promoting social harmony.
Governor Bala assured that the recommendations would be implemented fairly and with respect to existing institutions, while creating new leadership and representation opportunities.
He praised the committee for its transparent and thorough work, noting the quality of their research and approach.
Earlier, the committee chairman, Hamza Koshe Akuyam, said they received 196 submissions — 17 requesting new emirates, 166 for new districts, and others for new chiefdoms.
