Governor Bala Mohammed, on Tuesday, signed two bills for the establishment of 13 new emirate councils and the Zaar chiefdom into law.

The bills are the Bauchi State Emirates and Chieftaincies (Appointment and Deposition) Law and other Matters Related Therewith, 2025; and the Zaar Chiefdom Law and Other Matters Connected Thereto, 2025.

Mr Mohammed said the new laws would strengthen traditional institutions and accord greater voice and representation to communities in Bauchi.

He said the development was not merely about creating new emirate councils and a chiefdom, but rather reaffirming the people’s collective faith in inclusion, justice, unity, and positioning the state for the next phase of development.

“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,” he said.

The governor declared the new emirates to include Burra, with headquarters in Burra; Dambam, with headquarters in Dambam; and Darazo, with headquarters in Darazo. Yuli would serve as the headquarters of the new Duguri emirate.

“Gamawa is in Gamawa, Giade in Giade, Toro in Toro, Warji in Katangan Warji, Ari in Gadar Maiwa, Jama’a in Nabardo, Lame in Gumau, Bununu in Bununu, Lere in Lere, and Zaar chiefdom with headquarters at Mhrim,” Mr Mohammed said.

Mr Mohammed said the journey that led to the creation of the new emirates and chiefdom stemmed from the agitations by the people of the state.

“These were sincere expressions of identity, belonging, and the yearning for recognition,” Mr Mohammed said, stressing that it became 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.

He, however, said his administration would not condone attempts to undermine, obstruct, or politicise the implementation of the laws.

“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,” the governor said.

Mr Mohammed also signed the Bauchi State Supplementary Appropriation Law, 2025, and the Bauchi State Local Government Contributory Pension Scheme Law, 2025. 

(NAN)