Bauchi Assembly Pushes For More LGAs

Bauchi State House of Assembly has called for the creation of new local government areas (LGAs) in the state, citing the need to promote equitable development and administrative efficiency.

The resolution followed a motion presented in the House by Hon. Sale Hodi Jibir, the member representing Disina Constituency, during its plenary yesterday, which was presided over by speaker, Abubakar Y. Sulaiman.

In the motion, Jibir referenced the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers state assemblies to initiate the creation of new local government areas provided certain conditions are met, including support from two-thirds of the state assembly and affected local government councils, a referendum, and subsequent approval processes.

He argued that creating more LGAs would facilitate fairer distribution of resources, enhance local governance, and spur socio-economic growth.

Jibir noted that several communities across Bauchi have formally and informally requested autonomy, citing factors such as large geographical areas, population pressure, cultural uniqueness, and administrative challenges.

According to the lawmaker, it is the constitutional duty of the Assembly to respond to these genuine yearnings and aspirations in the interest of good governance and grassroots development.

As part of his prayers, Hon. Jibir urged the House to establish a special ad hoc committee to collect and evaluate formal requests and memoranda from communities seeking LGA creation and consult with traditional rulers, community leaders, and existing local government councils.

He also urged the conducting of feasibility studies, including geographical assessments, demographic evaluations, and the financial implications of proposed LGAs.

The motion received wide support from fellow lawmakers including Jamilu Umaru Dahiru, Musa Wakili Nakwada, Ibrahim Tanko Burra, Builder Sa’idu Sulaiman Darazo, and Dr. Nasiru Ahmed Ala, who called for speedy implementation of the proposal.

Meanwhile, the Assembly also adopted the report of its Committee on Public Service regarding complaints of omission and underpayment of pensioners on the local government payroll across the state.