Creation of more emirates, chiefdom will demarginalise minority groups in Bauchi –Analyst

Segun Babatunde Awofadeji, Bauchi

As the Bauchi State Government announced a collection of memoranda to create additional emirates, chiefdom and districts, a Public Affairs Analyst, Rice David Zull has lauded the government for fostering inclusion and preservation of indigenous identity.

Zull, in a Public Paper issued on Thursday on the Government’s move, said that Bauchi State is one of the most ethnically diverse in Nigeria and has historically been dominated by a limited number of traditional structures inherited from the colonial era.

He said that the Governor’s decision to expand emirates, chiefdom and districts signals a paradigmatic shift towards accommodating a broader spectrum of indigenous groups in governance and cultural representation.

Zull believed that additional emirates would correct imbalance in cultural settings by decentralizing authority and formally recognising previously marginalised communities.

“The erosion of indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions is a global phenomenon, exacerbated by modernisation and urbanisation. In this context, traditional institutions serve not only administrative purposes but also function as custodians of cultural heritage.

“By formally recognising new emirates and chiefdoms, the Bauchi State government affirms the legitimacy of indigenous identities and creates institutional space for their preservation and transmission,” he added.

According to him, for the policy to succeed, the government must ensure equitable allocation of resources to newly created units, provide capacity-building support for traditional rulers, and enact legal frameworks that define the scope and limits of their authority.

“These measures are essential to prevent administrative inefficiencies and maintain public confidence in the reform process,” he said.

He further stated that the move is a commendable step toward recognising the full spectrum of its cultural diversity. Saying that it would be a stride toward inclusion, justice, and sustainable development. “When executed with sincerity, it will not only strengthen local governance but also honors the indigenous identity of all communities.”

“For a state as rich in heritage as Bauchi, this is not just a political act, it is a moral imperative and the Bala Kaura Government deserves its praises for such intent.”

From the objective scale of things, creation of new Emirates and Chiefdoms including their sub units is more less a genuine attempt at accommodating increasing demands of inclusion by various sections of the population. Such an exercise does not start today and will not end today as far as society grows. Such demands will keep on coming for the sake of inclusiveness in policy and governance. END