There was mild drama at the Bauchi State House of Assembly during a public hearing organised by the Committee on Local Government and Chieftain Affairs.
The hearing was on a bill seeking to establish the Bauchi State Chiefs Appointments and Deposition Law 2025.
During the session, some youths stormed the presentation floor, attempting to disrupt proceedings over a submission they claimed did not favour their community.
The public hearing brought together representatives from the 13 newly proposed Emirates, one Chiefdom and 160 District Heads, all submitted to the House of Assembly by the Bauchi State Governor.
They are seeking official recognition and creation under the proposed Chieftains Bill.
The Committee is to review over 100-page, seven-chapter document, calling for inputs from traditional and community stakeholders to guide amendments to the existing chieftain laws.
It was a peaceful session at the beginning, with more than 40 written complaints and submissions received by the committee.
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However, tension rose following repeated petitions and counter-submissions, particularly from Tafawa Balewa, calling for the recognition of the Sayawa Chiefdom, and from Ningi Local Government, demanding the creation of the Ari Emirate.
Some groups, however, opposed these moves, arguing that the proposed creations would infringe on their rights, and therefore sought to remain under their existing emirates.
The session took a dramatic turn when youths from Boi, in the Bogoro Local Government Area, suddenly stormed the floor, disrupting a presentation in support of the Sayawa Chiefdom.
Security personnel quickly intervened to restore order, while the Committee Chairman, Bala Abdullahi, appealed for calm and clarified the committee’s position.
According to the Committee Chairman, after reviewing all public complaints and submissions, the committee will finalise its recommendations and present them to the House for adoption, providing constitutional backing for the creation of the 13 Emirates, one Chiefdom, and 160 District Heads to be added to the existing five Emirates.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
