From Muhammad Ahmadu Saka, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has inaugurated a committee for the creation of new emirates, districts, and village heads in the state.
The committee was inaugurated in a move to address growing demands from various communities and enhance cultural identity, grassroots governance, and equitable revenue distribution across Bauchi State,
Governor Bala told the committee to review requests for the creation of new emirates, chiefdom, and districts across the state.
He said the committee’s mandate is to promote local governance, enhance cultural identity, and strengthen the invaluable role of traditional institutions in unity and development.
Governor Bala described the move as a commitment by his administration to ensure fairness, inclusiveness, and strengthening local governance structures.
He told the committee to recommend deserving communities for new traditional institutions, Propose administrative frameworks for the effective functioning of the newly created Emirates, Chiefdom or Districts and Submit a detailed report with actionable recommendations within eight weeks
Governor Bala asked the committee to carry out its assignment with sincerity, diligence, and transparency.
He explained that the initiative is in fulfillment of a political promise and aimed at decentralizing institutions to provide better services and augment the distribution of resources.
The Governor said that the creation of additional emirates and districts is grounded in several considerations, including the need for promotion of peace and progress, serving as a catalyst for communal and social development programs, and strengthening unity and mutual understanding.
The governor said that traditional institutions have proven effective in promoting community participation in governance and preserving cultural heritage.
He said the committee’s task is to assess historical and political validity, examine traditional leadership structures, and ensure inclusive consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Governor Bala said the committee will follow a structured approach anchored on stakeholder consultation and will respect the aspirations of the communities involved.
He explained that the process will involve physical verification of boundaries, engagement with communities, and review of existing chieftaincy and district structures.
The governor told the committee to submit comprehensive findings and recommendations to the government within eight weeks.
The chairman of the committee, Hamza Koshe Akuyam, responded on behalf of the committee members, expressing their commitment to carrying out their mandate with diligence and integrity.
He assured the governor that the committee would work tirelessly to ensure that the process of creating new Emirates and districts is transparent, inclusive, and fair to all stakeholders.
Akuyam said that the creation of new traditional institutions would be guided by a genuine desire to promote peaceful coexistence, cultural heritage, and administrative efficiency rather than personal or political interests.
He said the committee is to review all requests submitted for the creation of Emirates, Chiefdom, and Districts, make recommendations based on principles of equity, inclusiveness, and financial sustainability as well interacting with stakeholders and conducting field assessments where necessary to validate claims
Akuyam assured them that they would handle the task with transparency, justice and fairness in the course of their assignment.
The committee has representation from security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, relevant ministries, departments and agencies as well as the Media.
