Bauchi Govt Did Not Cancel Sallah – Emirate Council

Bauchi Emirate Council has made a U-turn on its earlier statement postponing the 2025 Sallah Durbar festival.

The secretary of the Bauchi Emirate Council, Shehu Mudi Muhammad said yesterday that the council has retraced its earlier public announcement on the postponement of the Durbar festival.

“The Bauchi Emirate Council is pleased to inform the public that the 2025 Sallah Durbar Festival will now be held as planned.

“After careful consideration and consultation with the Bauchi State government, Governor Bala Mohammed has given his approval to proceed with this significant event.

“The Sallah Durbar festival is a vital part of our cultural heritage and we are excited to welcome residents, visitors and tourists to partake in the festivities,” he said.

Muhammad explained that the Durbar Committee sought approval from the state government to cancel the event and the government, in good faith, granted the request.

The emirate council expressed deep regret over the confusion and disaffection caused by the situation.

“We have already extended our unreserved apology to His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir for the misunderstanding,” he said, adding that the relationship between the state government and the Emirate has always been one of mutual respect and cooperation.

“We sincerely apologise for any confusion caused and appreciate everyone’s continued support and understanding,” the council secretary added.

Muhammad explained that further details regarding the schedule and arrangements of the planned Durbar would soon be communicated to the public.

It would be recalled that the media aide to the Bauchi State governor, Mukhtar Gidado, had said that the state government approved the Bauchi Emirate Council’s Committee decision to postpone the Sallah Durbar.

The Sallah Durbar Festival has long been a pillar of Bauchi’s rich cultural heritage, attracting people from across Nigeria and beyond, serving as a symbol of unity, history and identity, fostering communal pride while significantly contributing to the state’s social and economic vibrancy.

It was gathered that the Bauchi Emirate Council rescinded its decision to postpone the annual event following public criticisms on social media.