Sayawa Chiefdom, Other Emirates Bill Passes Second Reading In Bauchi Assembly

The long-awaited bill seeking to create the Sayawa Chiefdom and other new emirates in Bauchi State has scaled second reading at the State House of Assembly, marking a major step toward a historic reorganisation of the state’s traditional leadership structure.

The proposed legislation was debated and adopted during Wednesday’s plenary session presided over by the speaker of the House, Hon. Abubakar Suleiman.

LEADERSHIP reports that the bill was conveyed to the Assembly by Governor Bala Mohammed, following Bauchi Executive Council’s approval for the creation of 16 emirates, two chiefdoms and 116 districts.

Also, the bill proposed the establishment of several new emirates across the state. These include Burra, Ari, and Warji in Ningi local government area; Dambam in Dambam local government; Duguri in Alkaleri; Toro, Jama’a, and Lame in Toro local government; Darazo in Darazo local government; Gamawa in Gamawa local government; Bununu and Lere in Tafawa Balewa local government; and Giade in Giade local government.

Also listed is the long-demanded Sayawa Chiefdom, with its headquarters proposed at Mhrim/Namchi, that could bring closure to decades of agitation by the Sayawa people for self-determination and recognition within Bauchi’s traditional system.

Contributing to the debate on the bill, lawmakers described the move as a bold and progressive reform that would not only strengthen the institution of traditional leadership but also foster peace, inclusion, and grassroots development in all parts of the state.

After extensive deliberations, Speaker Suleiman commended members for their robust contributions and referred the bill to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for detailed scrutiny and further legislative action.

If passed into law, the bill is expected to redefine the map of traditional authority in Bauchi State, empowering new communities with recognised leadership and addressing long-standing calls for representation among minority groups.