Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has signed into law the Chieftaincy Appointment and Deposition Law, paving the way for the creation of 13 new emirates and more than 111 district heads across the state.
Also signed was the repeal of the Sayawa Chiefdom Law and the enactment of the Zaar Chiefdom Law, with its headquarters at Mhrim Namchi in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area.
In addition, the governor assented to the Local Government Pension Contributory Scheme Law, pledging to clear the backlog of pensions and gratuities owed to retired local government workers.
Governor Mohammed also signed the 2025 Appropriation Supplementary Act to ensure smooth implementation of ongoing developmental projects and programmes initiated by his administration.
The newly created emirates include Burra, Duguri, Dambam, Bununu, Lere, Darazo, Jama’a, Lame, Toro, Ari, Warji, Giade, and Gamawa. The Zaar Chiefdom, with its headquarters at Mhrim Namchi, was also formally recognized.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Government House on Tuesday, Governor Mohammed cautioned against any attempt to politicize or obstruct the implementation of the new laws, warning that security agencies would take decisive action against offenders.
> “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,” the governor declared.
“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 are fully empowered to act decisively in maintaining peace and order,” he added.
He further warned that any government official or traditional ruler who acts contrary to the spirit of the reforms would face disciplinary action.
Governor Mohammed directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, in collaboration with the Secretary to the State Government, to immediately gazette, publish, and distribute copies of the new laws to all relevant authorities and institutions for implementation.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Y. Suleiman, described the new legislation as the product of extensive public engagement, consultations, and consensus-building among stakeholders, including traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and professional bodies.
Suleiman said the new laws reflect the collective aspirations of the people and the Assembly’s commitment to deepening democratic participation and inclusive governance.
> “This law represents not just administrative expansion but a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility to build a system that serves every community fairly,” the Speaker said.
“Through open dialogue and public hearings, our people expressed overwhelming support for this initiative, which will strengthen traditional institutions and enhance service delivery in previously underserved areas.”
He emphasized that fairness, due process, and respect for traditional norms were central to the drafting of the provisions guiding the appointment and deposition of traditional rulers under the new law.
Suleiman added that the Assembly’s action marks a major milestone in providing a legal framework for the creation of additional emirates and districts across the state — a move aimed at bringing governance, traditional leadership, and development closer to the people.
