A public affairs analyst, Rice David Zull, has commended the Bauchi State government for opening the floor for the submission of memoranda towards the creation of additional emirates, chiefdoms and districts.
Zull described the initiative as a bold step towards inclusion and the preservation of indigenous identities.
In a statement issued yesterday, he said Bauchi is one of Nigeria’s most ethnically diverse states, yet its traditional governance structures had historically been dominated by a limited number of emirates inherited from the colonial era.
According to him, the governor’s decision to expand traditional institutions marks a significant shift towards inclusive governance and broader cultural representation.
He said modernisation and urbanisation had contributed to the erosion of indigenous cultures, languages and traditions and argued that traditional institutions serve not only administrative purposes but also as vital custodians of cultural heritage.
“By formally recognising new emirates and chiefdoms, the Bauchi State government affirms the legitimacy of indigenous identities and creates institutional space for their preservation and transmission,” he added.
Zull, however, emphasised that for the reform to succeed, the government must take critical steps such as ensuring equitable distribution of resources, providing capacity-building support for traditional rulers, and establishing clear legal frameworks defining their roles and responsibilities.
“These measures are crucial to maintaining administrative efficiency and building public confidence in the reform process,” he said.
He described the move as more than just a political decision, calling it a moral obligation for a state as culturally rich as Bauchi.
