By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has enacted the Chieftaincy Appointment and Deposition Law, a significant piece of legislation that establishes 13 new emirates and creates more than 111 district headships across the state.

In a related development, the Governor also signed into law the repeal of the Sayawa Chiefdom and the simultaneous establishment of the Zaar Chiefdom. The newly formed Zaar Chiefdom will have its headquarters located in the Mhrim Namchi community within Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area.

The governor equally signed into law the Local Government Pension Contributory Scheme, pledging to clear the backlog of pensions and gratuities owed to retired local government workers.

In addition, the 2025 Appropriation Supplementary Act was signed to support the smooth implementation of ongoing developmental projects and programs initiated by his administration.

The new emirates include Burra Emirates with headquarters in Burra, Duguri Emirates with headquarters in Yuli, Dambam Emirates with headquarters in Dambam, Bununu with headquarters in Bununu, Lere with headquarters in Lere, Darazo Emirates, with headquarter in Darazo, Jama’a Emirates, with headquarters in Nabardo.

Others are Lame Emirates with headquarters in Gumau, Toro Emirates with headquarters in Toro, Ari Emirates with headquarters in Gadar Maiwa, Warji Emirates with headquarters in Katangar Warji, Giade Emirates with headquarters in Giade and Gamawa Emirates with headquarters in Gamawa. The Sayawa Zaar Chiefdom with headquarter at Mhrim Namchi.

Speaking while assenting the bills at Government House, on Tuesday, the governor warned against politicizing or undermining the implementation of the newly enacted laws, directing security agencies to take appropriate action when necessary.

“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.”

“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,” Mohammed said

“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

The governor noted that he had 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 laws to all relevant authorities and institutions for implementation.

Earlier in his remarks, Speaker of the Bauchi House Assembly Abubakar Y Suleiman, described the new law as a product of extensive public engagement, consultations, and consensus-building among critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and professional associations.

RT Honourable Suleiman said the new legislation reflects the collective aspirations of the people and demonstrates 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 stated. “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 added that the Assembly took into account fairness, due process, and respect for traditional norms in crafting the provisions for the appointment and deposition of traditional rulers under the new law.

The Speaker also said that Bauchi State House of Assembly had passed a landmark bill providing a legal framework for the creation of additional emirates and districts across the state, in a move aimed at bringing governance, traditional leadership, and development closer to the people.