During the week, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State created 13 emirates and chiefdoms, which generated divergent views amongst indigenes and residents of the state. Weekend Trust sought the views of the Emir of Lame, Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame on the new development.
As a traditional ruler, what is your view on the creation of new emirates and chiefdoms in Bauchi State?
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We give glory to the Almighty Allah for his blessings, mercy and favour upon our state and its people. Personally, this is a historic event that will strengthen our traditional institutions and give greater voice and representation to our communities. For example, because of the agitation and population, many district heads were created out of the oldest districts.
This is a solemn and defining moment. It is not merely about creating new emirates and chiefdoms but reaffirming our collective faith in inclusion, justice, unity, and positioning Bauchi for the next phase of its development. That evolution itself reminds us that growth requires reform; and progress demands adaptation.
The reasons the governor gave are open for all to see and agree. Today, our population has multiplied, our towns have expanded and the demands of governance have become more complex. It has, therefore, become necessary to update the structure of traditional governance to reflect these realities not to replace tradition, but to renew it and make it relevant to modern needs for peace and development.
Look at our Bauchi and Gombe states: In the past we had 16 local government areas, including the present Gombe State, but today, we have 20. We had 19 local government areas in the past, but now, we have 36. This is to tell you that at every time Allah will destine many things to happens, it will happen as he wishes. Our prayers always are to succeed, get development and sustainable peace.
There have been increasing cases of creation of new chiefdoms. What is your view?
For me, increasing cases of creation of new emirates and chiefdom are efforts being made by governors to bring people closer to government, inclusiveness in governance and response to agitations from the grassroots, and strengthen traditional institutions.
Is there any justification for it?
Well, the justification is that we are in a political era, where politicians pledge many things to the people during campaigns. Some of the governors pledge to create districts, chiefdoms or emirates to the electorate, but after elections, some of them fulfill their campaign promises, while some do not.
For those whose requests were not approved, everything has its time; their time will come. I will only urge them to remain patient and continue to be loyal to the authorities, promote peace and pray that by the grace of Allah, their community’s turn would come in due course, guided by fairness and law.
What has been the reaction of the people to the creation of the new emirates?
If you saw the number of people that came out during the public hearing and after the announcement of the new emirates and chiefdoms by the state government, you would know that people welcomed it with joy.
But it has led to crises in some places, why is it so?
Was there anywhere crisis was reported in Bauchi State? The answer is no. People are happy with the development. We don’t pray for crisis anywhere, but for now, everywhere is peaceful and people are celebrating.
There are demands for more districts and emirates by minority ethnic groups; should the government create them?
Why not? If the government feels they deserve it after they follow due procedure, more will come.
Would you say that governors have abused the process?
No. What is abuse of process? It depends on how you define it and how you see it. If a governor is responding to the need and wishes of his people, he is not abusing the processes; he is pursuing sustainable development. But some governors that create it without following all procedures abuse the process. Where a governor fulfills all the needed requirements and does it, no one will say he is abusing the processes.
Do you think the move would bring sustainable peace and development?
Yes. This is because many districts and village heads will be created. This will make the work of traditional rulers easier – to oversee the affairs of their subjects and even know their needs in order to present it to the authorities. This will help the government in addressing pressing issues needed by each community. And it helps to strengthen security. It will also boost agriculture and bring about sustainable development, unlike when a district or village head is overseeing hundreds of people. He may not know everything. Today, many people are close to their leaders and express their feelings on many issues, offering good advice or constructive criticism each, with the aim to move the emirate forward and bring more development.
What roles are expected of the newly created emirates?
They should unite their subjects, be accessible, practise an all-inclusive leadership, listen to their subjects, accept their advice, preach peace and unity and work with them and encourage them to contribute their quota towards the development of the new emirate.
What message do you have for the communities and the government?
The government has done its best and people are happy with the development. May Allah give them the ability to continue to be fair in their activities. We pray they would do their best to put the newly created emirates on the path to grow. We want the government to give the emirates direct access to the seat of power so that they can always offer suggestions on matters of security, agriculture and all aspects of development.
We always appreciate the government who has always left their doors open for us. We want our people to understand that this reform is not an end but the beginning of a process that will continue as our communities grow and evolve.
We equally call on all the people of Bauchi State to embrace unity, support the new emirates, chiefdoms and districts; and work hand in hand with their leaders to promote peace, development and prosperity.
