The Bauchi State Committee on Chiefdoms and Emirates has recommended the creation of 13 new emirates, two chiefdoms, and 111 districts across the state.

This was disclosed by the Chairman, Alhaji Hamza Koshe Akuyam, while presenting the recommendations of the committee to Governor Bala Mohammed, at Government House, Bauchi, on Friday.

The member committee, inaugurated by the governor on Thursday, July 4, 2025, concluded its assignment within nine weeks after reviewing 196 memoranda from communities.

Akuyam, who was the immediate past chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, revealed that the submissions to the committee included 17 for emirates, 13 for chiefdoms, and 166 for districts.

He explained that a scoring system was adopted, with benchmarks of 70 percent for emirates, 60 percent for chiefdoms, and 50 percent for districts.

“To ensure fairness, the committee was divided into three subcommittees across senatorial zones, with members assessing zones outside their own,” he said.

“Stakeholder consultations were held, and comparative studies were carried out in Yobe, Gombe, and Adamawa States.”

The committee emphasised that its report reflects the wishes and aspirations of the Bauchi people and commended the governor for not interfering in the process.

Addressing the committee during the presentation of the report, Governor Bala Mohammed commended the procedure, methodology, and transparency of the exercise.

Mohammed described the work as “a product of community ownership and affinity” that will bring Bauchi State on par with other parts of the country.

The governor acknowledged that restructuring emirates and chiefdoms is often painful, recalling that similar experiences had occurred in the Sultanate and other states like Nasarawa and Kano.

He stressed, however, that the initiative was not meant to undermine traditional rulers but to meet the aspirations of communities for self-actualisation and recognition.

“Traditional systems are important to human beings everywhere, even in the US and Spain,” he said.

“This process is to give our people a sense of identity and belonging.

Our traditional leaders have nothing to lose in terms of followership because as the state grows, their influence also expands.”

Governor Mohammed also linked the recommendations to broader developmental goals, noting that the number of emirates, districts, and wards determines allocations and the siting of federal institutions.

He emphasised the need for Bauchi to push for more Local Government Areas (LGAs), given its population of over 8 million but only 20 LGAs.

“This committee is not because we don’t love our emirs,” he stated.

“How can I undermine them when I am a product of the same institutions?”

The governor assured traditional leaders of his trust and respect.

He added that the report would be forwarded to the Bauchi State House of Assembly for consideration and urged the Speaker to expedite action on the recommendations.

“This is the first major review since Dass and Ningi Emirates were created,” he noted.

“We will continue to promote best practices so that our people are not left behind.

By the time this is implemented, our natural leaders and communities will be stronger and happier.” (Sunday Sun)