Tension Erupts at Public Hearing on Creation of New Emirates in Bauchi State

By Muhammad Adamu

There was tension at a public hearing organized by the Bauchi State House of Assembly on the proposed creation of new emirates in the state.

The incident occurred when a section of the Boyawa ethnic group from Boi community in Bogoro Local Government Area protested against plans to place them under the proposed Sayawa Chiefdom.

However, during the deliberations, another man stood up and declared that the people of Boi supported the establishment of the Sayawa Chiefdom and would remain loyal to it — a statement that angered others who insisted that the man was not from their community and that they did not even know him.

The public hearing was organized by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to gather citizens’ opinions on the proposed law seeking to create 13 new emirates, one chiefdom, and 116 districts across the state.

Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Sulaiman, said the move aligns with Governor Bala Mohammed’s commitment to promoting development and bringing government closer to the people.

The committee chairman, Hon. Bala Abdullahi Dan, disclosed that over 40 submissions had been received from communities, noting that none had completely opposed the creation of new emirates. However, concerns were raised about the location of the Sayawa Chiefdom headquarters.

Meanwhile, the Emirs of Katagum and Misau, Alhaji Umar Faruk II and Alhaji Ahmed Suleiman, commended Governor Bala Mohammed’s efforts and pledged their support for the creation of the new emirates and districts.

The hearing continues as the committee reviews submissions from various communities to ensure fairness and peaceful implementation of the proposed law.