Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has signed into law the Chieftaincy Appointment and Deposition Law, officially creating 13 new emirates and over 111 district heads across the state. The move marks one of the most significant reforms in Bauchi’s traditional leadership structure in recent years.

The newly established emirates include Burra, Duguri, Dambam, Bununu, Lere, Darazo, Jama’a, Lame, Toro, Ari, Warji, Giade, and Gamawa. In addition, the governor also repealed the Sayawa Chiefdom Law and enacted a new Zaar Chiefdom Law, with its headquarters located at Mhrim Namchi in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Government House in Bauchi on Tuesday, Governor Mohammed cautioned against politicizing or obstructing the implementation of the reforms. He stressed that his administration would not tolerate any attempts to incite division or disrupt peace in the state, adding that violators would face the full weight of the law.

The governor also signed the Local Government Pension Contributory Scheme, aimed at clearing backlogs of pensions and gratuities owed to retired local government staff. He said the scheme would ensure transparency, accountability, and improved welfare for pensioners.

Additionally, Mohammed assented to the 2025 Appropriation Supplementary Act to support ongoing development projects across Bauchi State. He directed the Attorney General and the Secretary to the State Government to gazette and distribute the new laws immediately for implementation. The governor emphasized that the reforms would strengthen traditional institutions, deepen governance, and promote peace and inclusion among all communities in Bauchi.