The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, on Tuesday signed into law two landmark bills that fundamentally reshape the state’s traditional governance structure.
The new legislations — the 2025 Bauchi State Chieftaincy (Appointment and Deposition) Law and the Zaar Chiefdom Law, 2025 — provide for the establishment of 13 additional Emirates and one Chiefdom across the state.
While assenting to the bills, Governor Mohammed warned against any attempts to politicise or undermine the new laws.
“This administration will not tolerate any effort to obstruct, sabotage, or politicise the implementation of these laws. Anyone found inciting division, spreading misinformation, or disturbing public peace will face the full weight of the law,” he declared.
The governor explained that the creation of the new Emirates and Chiefdom stemmed from the government’s commitment to strengthen grassroots governance and respond to long-standing demands from communities.
“This decision reflects our policy objectives and recognises the evolving realities of governance in Bauchi State, especially as we mark our 50th anniversary,” Mohammed said. “The process was one of the most consultative and transparent ever conducted in our state.”
He revealed that a committee had been set up to review the proposals before a public hearing was held, leading to legislative deliberation and eventual passage by the State House of Assembly.
At the signing ceremony, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Suleiman, described the development as a historic milestone. He noted that the laws were crafted with sensitivity and foresight to strengthen the traditional institution framework and promote stability within the state.
The newly established Emirates and Chiefdom are:
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Burra – Headquarters: Burra
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Dambam – Headquarters: Dambam
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Darazo – Headquarters: Darazo
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Duguri – Headquarters: Yuli
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Gamawa – Headquarters: Gamawa
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Giade – Headquarters: Giade
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Toro – Headquarters: Toro
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Warji – Headquarters: Katangan Warji
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Ari – Headquarters: Gadar Maiwa
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Jama’a – Headquarters: Nabardo
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Lame – Headquarters: Gumau
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Bununu – Headquarters: Bununu
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Lere – Headquarters: Lere
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Zaar Chiefdom – Headquarters: Mhrim
Governor Mohammed directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, alongside the Secretary to the State Government, to immediately gazette, publish, and distribute copies of the new laws to all relevant authorities for swift implementation.
In addition, the governor signed into law the Local Government Pension Contributory Scheme and the Appropriation Supplementary Act 2025.